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.
Jump to:
- What is a flexible working request?
- How to write a strong flexible working request
- UK-specific flexible working request template
- Common reasons to request flexible working (with examples)
- 8 reasons employers can decline a flexible working request
- How to appeal a refused flexible working request
- FAQs on flexible working requests
- Final thoughts: Taking control of your work-life balance
- References and further reading
What is a flexible working request?
A flexible working request is a formal request to change your working hours, location, or schedule. Employees in the UK have the legal right to request flexible working after 26 weeks of continuous employment.
Read governmental information about recent flexible working legislative changes
You can request adjustments such as:
Compressed hours (e.g., a 9-day fortnight)
Flexible start and finish times
Remote or hybrid work
Part-time work or job sharing
Term-time-only working (ideal for working parents)
Looking for flexible work?
All the jobs on our site are hand-vetted for their flexibility and parent-friendly policies
Find your new flexibilityHow 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:
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:
Ask for a meeting to discuss employer concerns.
Provide additional evidence on how your request can work.
Consider alternative flexible arrangements (e.g., trial periods).
Refer to your legal rights under UK law.
FAQs on flexible working requests
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!
Looking for flexible work?
All the jobs on our site are hand-vetted for their flexibility and parent-friendly policies
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