A flexible working request includes reducing your hours, change of working hours, flexibility with times (flexitime), longer hours over fewer days (compressed hours), working from home or elsewhere (remote working) and job sharing. The request could be made to cover all working days, specific days or shifts, specific periods or over a certain time period.
Legally, flexible working requests should only be considered if you are an employee, you have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks and have not made a flexible working request within the last 12 months. Even if you do not meet these criteria the employer may consider your request but they are not required to.
The request should be made in writing. Any reasons for the change should be given, whether any problems are envisaged with making the change and if so how could those problems be overcome.
The employer is entitled to 3 months to make a decision in respect of the request. The employer does not have to approve the request if there is a valid business reason for not implementing the change. If you disagree with the employer’s decision you should discuss with the employer and/or consult the workplace policy on appealing the decision.
If you remain dissatisfied you may wish to consider raising a formal grievance. It is best practice to have any changes recorded in writing. If the change concerns working hours, pay, location or holiday entitlement then the changes must be recorded in writing.