Return from Maternity — Flexible Working Request Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to request flexible working arrangements on your return from maternity leave, 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 return from maternity — flexible working request should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Confirm the return date
• Describe the proposed flexible working arrangement
• State it is a statutory flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 1996
• Note the employer has 2 months to decide (in England, Wales and Scotland)

Combining maternity return with a flexible working request

Returning from maternity leave is a common and legitimate time to request flexible working, and since April 2024 this can be requested from day one of employment, with no minimum service requirement — you don't need to wait until you've formally returned to submit this request either.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your maternity leave dates and planned return date
• The specific flexible working arrangement you're requesting
• How you believe this could work in practice for your role
• A request for this to be considered and responded to within the statutory two-month period

Why timing this request matters

Submitting your request well before your planned return date gives your employer proper time to consider and consult on it, and increases the chance of having an agreed arrangement in place from your actual first day back, rather than returning to your old pattern while a request is still pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer refuse a flexible working request just because I've been on maternity leave?
No — refusals must be based on one of the specific statutory business reasons, and treating a request less favourably because it follows maternity leave could itself amount to discrimination.

What if I want to change my request after submitting it?
You can discuss adjustments with your employer during the consultation process, which is specifically designed to explore whether a working arrangement can be found that works for both sides.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Manager / HR]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Flexible working request – return from maternity leave

This is a statutory flexible working request under section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996 [Northern Ireland: under the Northern Ireland flexible working rules].

I am on maternity leave and plan to return on [Return Date].

[Choose: I have not made any other flexible working request in the last 12 months. / I made one other request on [Date].]

My current working pattern: [e.g. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, 35 hours a week].

The pattern I am asking for:
• Hours: [e.g. 24 hours a week]
• Days: [e.g. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday]
• Location: [if changing, e.g. 2 days at home and 1 in the office]

I would like this to start on [Date, e.g. my return date].

How it could work: [e.g. my core tasks could be done in three days, and [colleague] already covers Mondays / I am happy to try it for a trial period].

[England, Wales and Scotland: I understand you must consult me before refusing, and give me your decision within 2 months of receiving this request, unless we agree a longer time.]

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]