Thank you for your response dated [insert date of response letter] to my flexible working request dated [insert date of request]. I am disappointed my request has been rejected. I am writing to appeal this decision for the reason(s) I explain below.

As you know, I submitted a request to [describe reasons for application, e.g to work from home two days a week in order to better balance my work and personal responsibilities].

You have refused my request for flexible working because [state the reason(s) given by the employer to refuse your request].

I understand that my initial request may not have been possible due to business needs, but I strongly believe that accommodating my request would not negatively impact the company's operations. In fact, I believe that it would enhance my productivity and allow me to better contribute to the success of the company.

I am willing to work with you to find a compromise that meets the needs of both the company and myself. I am willing to adjust my schedule or work with a different arrangement that suits the company's needs.

I respectfully request that you reconsider my request for flexible working arrangements. I hope that we can come to a mutually beneficial solution that allows me to continue to be a valuable member of the team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours [faithfully | sincerely],

[Sender name]

[Sender job title]

[Sender telephone]
[Sender email]

[For, and on behalf of [Company name] ]

What is this for?

An employee may write a flexible working rejection appeal letter if their initial request for flexible working arrangements, such as a change in working hours or location, has been rejected by their employer.

The employee may feel that their request was reasonable and that accommodating it would not have a negative impact on the company's operations. They may also feel that their current work schedule is having a significant impact on their personal life and that flexible working arrangements would enable them to achieve a better work-life balance.

The employee may wish to appeal the rejection in the hopes of finding a mutually beneficial solution that meets both their needs and those of the company.

Extended guidance

flexible working rejection appeal letter template

Employment law compliance

There is no statutory right to appeal a flexible work refusal however it is good practice to offer one.

You should have refused the original request for one or more of the permitted eight business reasons, as follows:

Burden of additional costs.
Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand.
Inability to reorganise work among existing staff.
Inability to recruit additional staff.
Detrimental impact on quality.
Detrimental impact on performance.
Insufficiency of work during the periods you propose to work.
Planned structural changes.

Documentation sequence

Flexible working request rejection letter template

If you are unable to accept a request for flexible working, issue this model template letter to inform an employee of the reason for the rejection.

This

Flexible working rejection appeal letter template

Appeal hearing invitation letter template

Our Appeal Hearing Invitation Letter template formally invites employees to appeal hearings, maintaining transparency and adhering to procedural fairness.

Flexible working rejection appeal letter template

Supporting information