What is Flexible Working?

 

Flexible working allows employees to change how, when, or where they work. This could mean working from home, choosing different start and finish times, working part-time, or even job sharing. Many people want a better balance between their work and personal life, and flexible working arrangements can help.

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Since April 2024, new rules have made it easier for employees to apply for flexible working in the UK. If you want to request flexible working, it’s important to understand your rights and how to apply.

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Who Can Make a Flexible Working Request?

 

In the UK, any employee can make a flexible working request from their first day of employment. This is called a statutory request for flexible working. You don’t need to wait for months or years before asking for a change in your working pattern.

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Types of Flexible Working Arrangements

 

There are different ways to work flexibly. Some of the most common include:

Working from Home

Doing your job from home instead of the office, either full-time or a few days a week.

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Part-Time Work

Working fewer hours than a full-time job.

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Compressed Hours

Working full-time hours but over fewer days (for example, four long days instead of five shorter ones).

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Job Share

Splitting a full-time job with another person.

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Changing Start and Finish Times

Adjusting your working hours to fit your lifestyle, such as starting earlier or finishing later.

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Annualised Hours

Working a set number of hours per year but with flexibility in when those hours are worked.

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How to Make a Flexible Working Request

 

If you want to request flexible working, you need to follow a process. Here’s how it works:

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1. Write a Formal Request

Send a written request to your employer. This should include details of the change you want, how it might affect your workplace, and how it could be managed.

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2. Meeting to Discuss Your Request

Your employer will usually arrange a meeting to discuss your request for flexible working. This is a chance to explain your reasons and talk about possible solutions.

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3. Employer’s Decision

Your employer must consider your request fairly. They should give you a decision within two months.

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4. Trial Period

In some cases, your employer may suggest a trial period to see if the new working pattern is suitable.

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5. Right to Appeal

If your request is denied, you can appeal the decision.

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How Often Can You Make a Request?

 

Before April 2024, employees could only make one request for flexible working every 12-month period. Now, you can make two requests per year, giving you more chances to adjust your working conditions.

 

Can an Employer Refuse a Flexible Working Request?

 

Yes, an employer can refuse a request if there is a valid business reason. Common reasons include:

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• The work cannot be done in the requested way.

• It would cost too much.

• There would not be enough staff to cover the work.

• The quality of work or customer service would be affected.

 

If your request is refused, ask your employer if they would consider a compromise. For example, they might agree to some flexibility rather than rejecting the whole request.

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The Benefits of Flexible Working

 

Flexible working can benefit both employees and employers.

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• Employees can enjoy a better work-life balance, less stress, and improved job satisfaction.

• Employers may see higher productivity, lower staff turnover, and happier workers.

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What to Include in Your Flexible Working Request

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While the following points specifically apply to statutory requests, consider using a similar format for non-statutory requests to facilitate your employer’s decision-making process:

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• Always submit your request in writing.

• Mention the current date.

• Clearly State It’s a Flexible Working Request:

• Specify that your request pertains to flexible working.

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Previous Requests - Indicate whether you’ve made a previous request for flexible working.If so, mention when and whether it was statutory or non-statutory.

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Start Date- State when you’d like the flexible working arrangement to begin.

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Details of Change

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• Specify the change you’re seeking (e.g., new location, hours, shifts).

• Clarify whether you want this change to be regular, temporary, or specific to certain times of the year.

• Benefits of Proposed Changes.

• Explain how the proposed changes could benefit you (e.g., increased productivity).

• Optionally, highlight benefits for the organization (e.g., cost savings) to strengthen your request.