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Flexible working is becoming an essential part of modern employment, offering benefits to both employees and employers. Whether you’re looking for compressed hours, remote work, or a flexible schedule to manage childcare, knowing how to submit a compelling flexible working request is key. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to request flexible working, provide UK-specific examples and templates, and outline your legal rights under UK flexible working laws.

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How to write a strong flexible working request

To improve your chances of approval, your request should be clear, professional, and aligned with business needs. Follow this structured approach:

1. Start with a clear subject line

Example: Formal Request for Flexible Working Arrangements

2. Include key personal & job details

  • Your name and position
  • Employer’s name
  • Date of request submission

3. Clearly state the type of flexible working you want

Example:
“I would like to request a change in my working pattern from a 5-day week to a compressed 9-day fortnight, where I work longer hours over 9 days and take every other Friday off.”

4. Explain how it will benefit the business

Employers are more likely to approve if they see a business case. Address:
✔ How it won’t disrupt team productivity
✔ How it aligns with company goals
✔ Any cost savings or operational benefits

5. Provide solutions to any potential employer concerns

  • If requesting remote work, show how you’ll maintain communication.
  • If seeking compressed hours, explain how you’ll manage workloads efficiently.

UK-specific flexible working request template

Email template example

 

Subject: Flexible Working Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally request a flexible working arrangement under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

I would like to [state your request, e.g., reduce my working hours to 30 hours per week, work remotely two days a week, or adopt compressed hours].

This adjustment will help me [briefly explain your reason, e.g., balance childcare, improve productivity, or accommodate personal health needs], while ensuring I continue to meet my responsibilities effectively.

I have considered how this change might impact the team and propose the following solutions:

  • [Solution 1, e.g., ensuring availability during key meetings]
  • [Solution 2, e.g., adjusting workload distribution]

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. Please let me know a convenient time for a meeting.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Common reasons to request flexible working (with examples)

Childcare & family responsibilities

  • “I need to adjust my working hours due to nursery/school drop-offs and pickups.”
  • Example request: Start at 9:30 AM instead of 9:00 AM and finish later to accommodate school drop-offs.

Health & wellbeing

  • “I require a more flexible schedule due to ongoing medical treatment.”
  • Example request: Work from home two days a week to manage a health condition more effectively.

Work-life balance & productivity

  • “I work more efficiently with a compressed hours schedule.”
  • Example request: Move to a 9-day fortnight, working longer hours Monday-Thursday and taking every other Friday off.

8 reasons employers can decline a flexible working request

While employees have the right to request flexible working, employers can legally refuse requests under specific circumstances, including:

1

Significant extra costs to the business

2

Negative impact on quality or performance

3

Inability to meet customer demand

4

Insufficient work available during requested hours

5

Difficulty redistributing work among staff

6

Previous trial periods showing inefficiency

7

Legal or regulatory restrictions

8

Concerns about team collaboration

If your request is denied, you can appeal the decision by explaining how business concerns can be addressed.

How to appeal a refused flexible working request

If your request is denied, you have 14 days to appeal. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Ask for a meeting to discuss employer concerns.
2️⃣ Provide additional evidence on how your request can work.
3️⃣ Consider alternative flexible arrangements (e.g., trial periods).
4️⃣ Refer to your legal rights under UK law.

FAQs on flexible working requests

Want more flexibility?

Remote roles

Offering flexibility and a balanced lifestyle.

Hybrid roles

Combining office collaboration with flexible remote work.

Final thoughts: Take control of your work-life balance

Crafting a successful flexible working request requires:
✅ Clear communication of your needs and benefits to the company
✅ Well-thought-out solutions to address employer concerns
✅ Understanding your legal rights under UK flexible working laws

If you’re ready to submit a request, use the template above and tailor it to your situation. Need more support? Check out ivee for expert guidance on flexible working!

References & further reading

  1. UK Gov – Flexible Working Laws (gov.uk)
  2. ACAS – Making a Flexible Working Request (acas.org.uk)
  3. CIPD – Benefits of Flexible Working (cipd.co.uk)

Looking for flexible work?

All the jobs on our site are hand-vetted for their flexibility and parent-friendly policies
Find your new flexibility