MAKE YOUR FREE Flexible Working Request
What we'll cover
What is a Flexible Working Request?
When should I use a Flexible Working Request?
Use this Flexible Working Request if you:
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have not made a request for flexible working in the previous 12 months
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would like to submit a statutory request for flexible working (as opposed to an informal request)
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have been employed by your current employer for at least 26 weeks
Note that changes to these requirements are to be introduced soon (eg the requirement for 26 weeks’ service will be removed). For more information, read Flexible working.
Sample Flexible Working Request
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Dear ,
FLEXIBLE WORKING APPLICATION
In accordance with the Acas Code of Practice on Flexible Working I would like to submit a statutory request for flexible working.
I currently work . I would like to change this so that I work . This is how I think the new proposed type of working pattern might affect the business:
In dealing with any disruption caused to the business as a result of the flexible working pattern, I suggest the following:
Ideally, I would like the new proposed working pattern to commence from .
I am aware that, if we agree to new contractual terms on the basis of this flexible working request, there will be no automatic change to revert to the previous work pattern. As such, I would like to propose a trial period of .
In line with legal requirements, I confirm that I have been employed for at least 26 weeks and have not made a flexible working request for at least 12 months, the last such request being made on .
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
| _________________________________ | _________________________________ |
About Flexible Working Requests
Learn more about making your Flexible Working Request
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How to make a Flexible Working Request
Making a Flexible Working Request online is simple. Just answer a few questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. When you have all of the details prepared in advance, making your document is a quick and easy process.
To make your Flexible Working Request you will need the following information:
Party details
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The employer details (eg name and address).
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Your details (eg name and address).
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Is this Request made in accordance with the employer’s flexible working policy or the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working requests (if there is no policy)?
Work pattern
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What is your current work pattern?
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What is your proposed new work pattern?
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What is the proposed start date for the new work pattern?
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Do you want to propose a trial period for the new work pattern? If so, how long is the trial?
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How will the proposed work pattern affect your employer’s business?
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What are your suggestions for dealing with any business disruption?
Other requests
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Have you:
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Previously made a flexible working request?
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Made a flexible working request in the last 12 months? If so, when did you make your last flexible working request?
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Request details
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If the employer is a company, partnership or LLP, who is the recipient of the Request?
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On what date will the Request be sent or handed to the employer?
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Common terms in a Flexible Working Request
You can make a request for flexible working to your employer using this Flexible Working Request. To make sure a request meets all legal requirements and communicates all necessary information, this Flexible Working Request includes:
Sender and recipient details
The start of the Flexible Working Request provides details of the employer (to whom the Flexible Working Request is being made) and the employee (the person who is making and sending the Request).
The request for flexible working
The body of the Flexible Working Request sets out the employee’s actual request to the employer, detailing how they would like to change their working pattern. It also sets out any potential disruption(s) that may be caused by the new working pattern and the steps that can be taken to minimise them. To help the employer provide a swift answer, the Flexible Working Request also details when the employee last made a Flexible Working Request (if ever).
If you want your Flexible Working Request to include further or more detailed provisions, you can edit your document. However, if you do this, you may want a lawyer to review or change the Request for you to make sure it complies with all relevant laws and meets your specific needs. Ask a lawyer for assistance.
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Legal tips for making a Flexible Working Request
Consider what type of flexible working would suit you
In your Flexible Working Request, you need to set out how you wish to change your working pattern. It is, therefore, important that you think carefully about how you wish to work under your proposed new working pattern. While working part-time or different hours may seem like the obvious flexible working patterns, consider other arrangements like compressed hours, annualised hours or job-sharing. For more information, read Flexible working.
Note when you last made a Flexible Working Request
Under the law, employers only have a duty to handle a Flexible Working Request reasonably if the employee making it (ie you) hasn’t made any other Requests in the last 12 months. This means that your employer may consider your Flexible Working Request if you made a previous one less than 12 months ago, however, they legally don’t have to deal with it in a reasonable manner. As a result, it is recommended that you wait 12 months between making Flexible Working Requests or at least discuss your request with your employer before sending it, as they may advise that they’re willing to consider an additional request in a reasonable manner.
For more information, read Flexible working.
Understand when to seek advice from a lawyer
Ask a lawyer if:
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this document doesn’t meet your needs
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the reason for requiring a flexible work pattern relates to a disability or other reasons of equality
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you think your Flexible Working Request has been unreasonably rejected
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Flexible Working Request FAQs
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What is included in a Flexible Working Request?
This Flexible Working Request template covers:
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the proposed new working pattern
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how any disruption to the business as a result of the new pattern will be dealt with
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when the new working pattern will commence
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the option for a trial period of the proposed working pattern
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Why do I need a Flexible Working Request?
A Flexible Working Request is part of the formal process for requesting flexible working. It keeps a record of the proposed working arrangements and demonstrates your eagerness to accommodate the business' interests within a new working pattern.
Flexible working is any working pattern which is different from the norm (eg different to a 9-5 office schedule). Flexible working covers different types of arrangements such as working remotely, working compressed hours or flexitime.
For more information, read Flexible working.
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Who can request flexible working arrangements?
Anyone can make a formal Flexible Working Request provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. To meet these criteria, you must:
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be an employee (ie not a worker or consultant)
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have worked continuously for the same employer for at least 26 weeks, and
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have not made a formal Flexible Working Request in the previous 12 months
Note that changes to these requirements are to be introduced soon (eg the requirement for 26 weeks’ service will be removed). For more information, read Flexible working.
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What types of flexible working can be proposed in the Request?
Flexible working includes:
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working fewer or different hours (eg part-time)
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working fewer days (eg annualised or compressed hours)
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working from a different place (eg working from home or hybrid working)
Which type of flexible work you want to request will depend on the specifics of your situation. For more information, read Flexible working.
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What happens after applying for flexible working?
An application for flexible working is usually followed by a meeting with your employer to discuss the proposed working arrangements. If the request is accepted, this will result in a permanent change to your employment contract.
Your employer may also reject the application. However, this can only be done if one of the statutory reasons is met (eg if flexible working would affect the business’ performance).
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What if my Flexible Working Request is rejected?
Check whether your Request was rejected for a valid reason. Your employer should allow you to appeal their decision. Appeals should generally be made within 14 days from the rejection date using an Appeal letter. For more information, read Appealing decisions made by employers.
You may also be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal if your employer:
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didn't handle the request in a 'reasonable manner'
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dismissed or treated you poorly because of your request
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rejected an application based on incorrect facts
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How long should it take for an employer to consider a Flexible Working Request?
The whole application process, from the initial request to your employer's final decision, should take no longer than 3 months (unless otherwise agreed by you).
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