Flexible working request letter template
Our Flexible Working Request Letter Template simplifies the process, enabling employees to request flexible arrangements with confidence and clarity.
Use this model letter template to request flexible working, such as a change in work pattern, compressed hours, or a reduction or increase in hours.
- 2 pages / 267 words.
- Last updated 14/12/2024.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Flexible working request letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Request for flexible working
I would like to apply to work a flexible working pattern that is different to my current working pattern under my right provided under section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
I confirm that I meet each of the eligibility criteria as follows:
- I have not made more than 1 statutory request to work flexibly during the past 12 months. [A maximum of 1 applicaton can be made in Northern Ireland].
- [NI only: I have 26 weeks
You're currently viewing a limited preview. For instant full access, purchase this item or a parent bundle.
The purpose of the Flexible Working Request Letter Template is to provide employees with a formal format to request flexible working arrangements from their employer.
It allows employees to express their needs and preferences regarding working hours, location, or other flexible arrangements, while also helping employers assess and respond to such requests in a structured and fair manner.
It is usually delivered to the Employer / HR by the Employee.
It should be actioned as required.
Compliance
Compliance
This Flexible working request letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
-
The Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA): Provides employees with the legal right to request flexible working arrangements.
-
The Flexible Working Regulations 2014 and The Flexible Working Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015: Outlines the statutory procedure that employers must follow when considering flexible working requests.
-
.The Equality Act 2010: Prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics such as gender, age, disability, or religious beliefs, which includes flexible working arrangements.
-
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Requires employers to consider the health and safety implications of flexible working arrangements.
-
The Working Time Regulations 1998: Set limits on working hours and rest breaks, which may be relevant when considering flexible working requests.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Flexible working request letter template, to understand the workflow.
Flexible working request acknowledgement letter
Use this model letter to notify the employee that their flexible working request has been received and that a meeting will be set up to discuss it with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Flexible working request letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
-
Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
-
Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
-
Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
-
What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
