Flexible working

Flexible working means changing when, where or how much you work. Examples include: 

• part-time hours 

• working from home 

• changing your start and finish times 

• doing your full hours over fewer days 

• sharing a job with someone else 

• only working during school term times 

The law says that you can ask for flexible working from your first day in a job. 

You can only make a flexible working request if you are legally classed as an employee 

Your employer must: 

• take your request seriously 

• accept the request unless there’s a genuine business reason not to 

• reply within two months 

• explain why if they say no 

They can turn down your request, but only for valid business reasons. You can make up to two requests in a year. 

From 2027, if your employer rejects your request, they’ll be legally required to explain in writing why their decision is reasonable. 

Put your request in writing – an email is fine. Include: 

• what change you’re asking for 

• when you’d like it to start 

• how you think it could work for the business e.g. “I’d like to start at 9am instead of 8am. I can still work my full hours and will be available during the busiest time of the day, so it won’t affect my work or the team.” 

Your employer must get back to you within two months. If they say no and you think it’s unfair, you can appeal or get advice. 

• ACAS — free advice on your rights  

• Citizens Advice — help with employment rights  

• Gov.uk — official guidance on making a request