Flexible Working Request Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formal request to change working hours, location or pattern, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong flexible working request should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State it is a statutory flexible working request
• Describe the current working arrangement
• Describe the proposed new arrangement
• Give the date you want the change to start
• Say whether you have made a statutory request before, and when

Your day-one right to request flexible working

Since April 2024, the right to request flexible working applies from your very first day of employment, rather than requiring 26 weeks' service as previously. You can also now make two requests in any 12-month period, rather than just one, giving you more flexibility to adjust your request if circumstances change. Northern Ireland's rules are different: you need 26 weeks' service and can make one request in 12 months.

What to include before you send it

• The specific change you're requesting — hours, location, or working pattern
• When you'd like the change to take effect
• How you believe this might affect your role, and any thoughts on managing that impact
• Confirmation this is a statutory flexible working request

How your employer must respond

In England, Wales and Scotland, your employer must consult with you before refusing a request, and must respond within two months (unless you agree to a longer period). They can only refuse on specific, defined business grounds — such as cost, inability to reorganise work, or detrimental impact on quality — and must explain which ground applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer refuse without giving a proper reason?
No — they must give one of the specific statutory business reasons for refusal, and since April 2024 must have properly consulted with you first.

What if I disagree with the refusal?
You can appeal internally through your employer's process, and in some circumstances bring an Employment Tribunal claim if the process wasn't followed correctly.

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Department]

[Employer Name / Company Name]
[HR Department or Manager's Name]
[Company Address]

[Date]

Dear [Name of Manager or HR Representative],

Subject: Statutory Flexible Working Request – [Your Name]

I am writing to submit a formal request to change my working pattern in accordance with my statutory right to request flexible working.

My current working pattern is:
* [Describe current pattern, e.g., Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm in the office]

I would like my new working pattern to be:
* [Describe requested pattern, e.g., Working from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays / Working compressed hours / Reducing hours to 24 per week]

I would like this change to take effect from: [Date you want the change to start].

[I have not made a statutory flexible working request before. OR: I made a previous statutory flexible working request on [date].]

I am making this request to help me [briefly state reason if you wish, e.g., manage childcare / balance health needs / reduce commuting time], and I believe this change will not negatively impact my ability to perform my role.

[In Northern Ireland, you must also say how the change would affect your employer and how that could be dealt with, e.g.: "I think the effect on the team would be [effect], and this could be dealt with by [suggestion]."]

I look forward to discussing this request with you at a mutually convenient time. I understand that the company will provide a decision within the standard statutory timeframe.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]