Flexible working request: what to put in it

• UK: write to your employer with the date, a line saying it is a statutory request, what you want to change and from when, and whether you have asked before.
• UK: your employer has to decide within 2 months (or longer if you agree), and you can make 2 requests in any 12 months.
• US: we found no general right to ask. Make a short proposal showing how the work will still get done.

[Date]

Dear [name of your employer / HR / line manager],

I am writing to make a statutory request for flexible working.

[Choose one] I have not made a statutory flexible working request before. / I made a previous statutory request on [date].

My current working pattern is [days, hours, place].

I would like to change this to [what you want, for example: work from home 2 days a week / start at 7:30 and finish at 3:30 / reduce my hours from 35 to 30].

I would like the change to start on [date].

[Optional] I am asking because [reason].

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]

Subject: Proposal to change my schedule

Hi [name],

I'd like to propose a change to my schedule: [what you want, for example work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays].

How my work would be covered: [meetings, deadlines, who to reach and when].

How we would check it works: a trial of [number] weeks, then a review on [date].

Could we find 20 minutes to discuss? I'm open to adjusting the details.

Thank you,
[Your name]

Brackets are for your own facts. Delete anything that is not true for you.

UKAll employees have the legal right to request flexible working. Employees can request a change to: the number of hours they work; when they start or finish work; the days they work; where they work.GOV.UK, "Flexible working" (UK; the rules are different in Northern Ireland). Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKThe application must include: the date of the request; a statement that this is a statutory request for flexible working; details of how the employee wants to work flexibly and when they want to start; a statement saying if and when they've made a previous application - include the date of the previous request.GOV.UK, "Flexible working", applying. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKThe employer discusses the employee's request with them and makes a decision on it within 2 months - or longer if agreed with the employee.GOV.UK, "Flexible working", applying. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKEmployees can make 2 applications for flexible working in any 12-month period.GOV.UK, "Flexible working", applying. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKThe employer must discuss the employee's request with them before refusing their application.GOV.UK, "Flexible working", applying. Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

USThe FLSA has no provisions regarding the scheduling of employees, with the exception of certain child labor provisions. Therefore, an employer may change an employee's work hours without giving prior notice or obtaining the employee's consent (unless otherwise subject to a prior agreement between the employer and employee or the employee's representative).US Department of Labor, Fair Labor Standards Act questions and answers (US). Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UK, when they can say no: GOV.UK lists eight reasons an employer can refuse, including extra costs that will damage the business, work that cannot be reorganised among other staff, and an effect on quality or performance. Read the full list on GOV.UK.

UK, after the answer: GOV.UK says there is no longer a statutory right to an appeal but you may still be able to appeal under your employer's process, and that you cannot complain to a tribunal just because a request was refused. It lists when you can complain, within 6 months. Get legal advice if you are unsure of your rights.

UK, the form: Acas has a free flexible working request letter template (last updated 6 April 2024) that marks the reason as optional. Your employer may ask you to use a standard form.

US: the Department of Labor page above says the federal wage law has nothing on scheduling. Other laws (for example on disability or family leave) or your state's law may give rights, and this page does not cover them. Check your handbook and ask HR.

The $9 kit "Hard messages at work" has a fill-in message for asking for flexible hours, and for confirming a difficult talk in writing, pushing back on workload, raising a problem with a colleague and replying to criticism, with worked examples.

Do I need to have worked there a certain time to ask?

GOV.UK says employees can make a request for flexible working from their first day in a job (England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland is different).

How long do they have to answer?

GOV.UK says the employer must make a decision within 2 months of the request, or longer if you agree.

Do I have to give a reason?

GOV.UK's list of what the request must include does not mention a reason, and the Acas template marks it optional.

Can they just say no?

They can refuse for any of eight reasons on the GOV.UK list, but must discuss your request with you first and handle it in a reasonable manner.

Can I ask to work from home in the US?

We found no general right to ask. The Department of Labor says the federal wage law has no scheduling provisions. You can still send a proposal. Other laws or your state may give rights; we do not cover them.

What if my employer refuses without discussing it?

GOV.UK says you may be able to complain to an employment tribunal if the request was not handled in a reasonable manner. Get free advice from Acas first.

• GOV.UK: Flexible working, read 4 October 2026
• GOV.UK: Flexible working, applying, read 4 October 2026
• Acas: Statutory flexible working requests, read 4 October 2026
• Acas: Flexible working request letter template, read 4 October 2026
• US Department of Labor: Fair Labor Standards Act questions and answers, read 4 October 2026

Not legal advice. This is general information. Rules depend on your contract, your country and, in the US, your state. For advice on your own case, ask the free Acas helpline (UK) or a qualified adviser. Page written and checked on 4 October 2026; official pages can change.

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