Flexible Working Request (ERA 2025 reasonableness test)
Statutory flexible working request to your employer under s.80F ERA 1996, as amended by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
When you want to request a change to your working pattern (hours, location, days). Available from day one of employment in Great Britain.
When NOT to use this template
If you are a self-employed contractor or worker (the statutory right is for employees only); if you've already made 2 statutory requests in the last 12 months.
Legal Basis
Employment Rights Act 1996 s.80F, as amended by the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 and the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Before you send
- Not specifying the proposed change clearly (e.g. saying 'I'd like to work less' instead of 'I would like to reduce my hours from 40 to 32 per week, working Monday to Thursday')
- Not stating any anticipated effect of the change on the employer and how it could be dealt with
- Failing to confirm in writing — a verbal request does not count
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying the proposed change clearly (e.g. saying 'I'd like to work less' instead of 'I would like to reduce my hours from 40 to 32 per week, working Monday to Thursday')
- ✗Not stating any anticipated effect of the change on the employer and how it could be dealt with
- ✗Failing to confirm in writing — a verbal request does not count
Build Your Letter
Fill in your details
Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.
Letter preview
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Telephone] [Email] [EMPLOYER NAME] [Employer Address] Date: [DATE OF REQUEST] Dear [MANAGER'S NAME], Statutory Flexible Working Request I am making a statutory request for flexible working under section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996. 1. My current arrangement I have worked for [EMPLOYER NAME] since [YOUR START DATE WITH THE EMPLOYER] in the role of [YOUR JOB TITLE]. My current working pattern is [CURRENT WORKING PATTERN]. 2. Proposed change I would like to change to the following pattern: [PROPOSED NEW WORKING PATTERN]. I would like this change to take effect from [DATE YOU'D LIKE THE CHANGE TO START]. 3. Reason [Optional but recommended: [REASON (OPTIONAL)]] 4. Anticipated effect on the employer and how it could be dealt with I anticipate the following potential effects on the business and have considered how each could be addressed: [ANTICIPATED EFFECTS ON THE BUSINESS AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM] 5. Statutory framework Under s.80G of the Employment Rights Act 1996 you must consider this request in a reasonable manner and notify me of your decision within 2 months of today's date (unless we agree an extension). Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, refusal must be reasonable in light of one or more of the prescribed business grounds. 6. Discussion I am happy to discuss this request at a meeting and to consider any alternative proposals you may wish to make, including a trial period. Please confirm receipt of this request and the timetable for considering it. Yours sincerely, [YOUR NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.