Flexible working is when you change how, when, or where you work to suit your needs. This could mean:
- Changing your hours
- Working from home
- Part-time work
- Job sharing
All employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of your job.
Any employee, no matter what type of contract you have, can request flexible working from day one of your employment. There’s no need to wait.
What Types of Flexible Working Can You Ask For?
- Remote working: Work from home or another location.
- Part-time: Work fewer hours or fewer days.
- Flexible hours: Change your start and finish times.
- Compressed hours: Work your full hours in fewer days.
- Job sharing: Share a full-time role with someone.
- Term-time working: Work only during school terms
1. Write Your Request: Submit a written request to your employer, detailing:
- What flexible working you want (e.g., part-time, remote work).
- When you’d like it to start.
- a statement saying if and when you’ve made a previous application - include the date of the previous request
2. Employer’s Response: Your employer has 2 months to reply to your request. They can approve, reject, or suggest a compromise.
If your employer refuses your request, they must provide a valid business reason (e.g., it would impact productivity or the business can’t afford it). You have the right to appeal the decision.
