A flexible working request is a request to alter working times or conditions. Requests can be made for any reason, but need to be made in the correct format by employees with at least 26 weeks’ continuous service.

Once a flexible working request that meets the statutory requirements has been received, employers will need to deal with it in a “reasonable manner”, meet and notify the employee of its decision within a specified time, and otherwise comply with the statutory process. Most importantly, the employer can only refuse the application for certain specified reasons. These include cost, quality, performance, and reorganisation of work.

Employees can bring Tribunal claims where the process has not been followed properly. They can also bring discrimination claims if any decision has a detrimental impact on them because of a protected characteristic. For further information see discrimination.