How many flexible working requests can I make in a year?

You are permitted to make up to two formal statutory flexible working requests in any 12-month period. It is important to note that you do not need to wait for the outcome of your first request before submitting a second one, provided it falls within that 12-month window. Making more than two requests in this timeframe will not trigger the statutory procedure for the additional requests.

Can I just ask my boss verbally to change my hours?

A verbal request does not trigger the formal statutory procedure. To be valid, the request must be made in writing and must clearly specify the exact change you are proposing, such as new working hours or a different location. If you have an informal arrangement already in place, you should consider whether a conversation might achieve the same result without needing to start the formal legal process.

Is my employer legally required to accept my flexible working request?

No, this is a right to request a change, not a right to demand it. Your employer can refuse your request if they can justify it using one of the eight specified statutory grounds. The formal procedure requires you to detail your proposed new pattern and consider the potential impact on the business, but the final decision rests with the employer based on those legal criteria.

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Employment

Employment Law

Updated 2026-04-17

Statutory Flexible Working Request

Formal statutory request to work flexibly under the day-one right introduced by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.

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

Use this letter to make a formal statutory request to change your working hours, times, or place of work. Since 6 April 2024, the right to request flexible working applies from day one of employment (the previous 26-week qualifying period was removed). You may make up to two requests in any 12-month period. Your employer must deal with the request within two months and may only refuse on one of eight specified grounds.

When NOT to use this template

This is a request, not a right to demand a change. Your employer can refuse on statutory grounds. Do not use this letter for informal arrangements already in place — it triggers the formal statutory procedure. Consider whether an informal conversation first might achieve the same result without the formality.

Legal Basis

Employment Rights Act 1996, s.80F (as amended by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023); Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/1328), in force 6 April 2024. The eight grounds for refusal are set out in s.80G ERA 1996. The ACAS Code of Practice on Flexible Working (2024) provides additional guidance.

Before you send

Not making the request in writing — a verbal request does not trigger the statutory procedure
Making more than two requests in a 12-month period — the second request does not need to wait until the first is resolved
Not specifying the exact change requested — the request must detail the proposed new pattern

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Not making the request in writing — a verbal request does not trigger the statutory procedure
✗Making more than two requests in a 12-month period — the second request does not need to wait until the first is resolved
✗Not specifying the exact change requested — the request must detail the proposed new pattern
✗Not appealing a refusal — you have the right to appeal within the employer's internal procedure

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name*

Your address*

Date of letter*

Employer's name / company name*

Your job title*

Your current working pattern*

The new working pattern you are requesting*

Proposed start date for the new arrangement*

Optional fields

Your reasons for the request

Letter preview

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]

[DATE OF LETTER]

[EMPLOYER'S NAME / COMPANY NAME]

---

Dear Sir or Madam,

**STATUTORY FLEXIBLE WORKING REQUEST**
**Employee: [YOUR FULL NAME]**
**Job title: [YOUR JOB TITLE]**

I am writing to make a formal statutory flexible working request pursuant to section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996, as amended by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.

**My current working pattern**

[YOUR CURRENT WORKING PATTERN]

**The change I am requesting**

I request the following change to my working pattern:

[THE NEW WORKING PATTERN YOU ARE REQUESTING]

I would like this change to take effect from [PROPOSED START DATE FOR THE NEW ARRANGEMENT], or as soon as practicable thereafter.

**Reasons for my request**

[YOUR REASONS FOR THE REQUEST]

**Effect on the business and how it might be dealt with**

I have considered the effect that my proposed working arrangement may have on the business and my colleagues. I believe the following measures would address any such impact:

I am willing to discuss adjustments to my proposal if there are specific operational concerns, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this request with you in a meeting.

**Previous requests**

I confirm / do not confirm that I have made a previous flexible working request in the past 12 months. [Delete as applicable.]

I look forward to your response within the two-month statutory period. I understand that if you need additional time, you may request an extension by agreement.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR FULL 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.

Related Guides

Employment Tribunal Guide

Related Rights

Official Resources

ACAS — Flexible Working →Gov.uk — Flexible Working →

Frequently asked questions

How many flexible working requests can I make in a year?: You are permitted to make up to two formal statutory flexible working requests in any 12-month period. It is important to note that you do not need to wait for the outcome of your first request before submitting a second one, provided it falls within that 12-month window. Making more than two requests in this timeframe will not trigger the statutory procedure for the additional requests.
Can I just ask my boss verbally to change my hours?: A verbal request does not trigger the formal statutory procedure. To be valid, the request must be made in writing and must clearly specify the exact change you are proposing, such as new working hours or a different location. If you have an informal arrangement already in place, you should consider whether a conversation might achieve the same result without needing to start the formal legal process.
Is my employer legally required to accept my flexible working request?: No, this is a right to request a change, not a right to demand it. Your employer can refuse your request if they can justify it using one of the eight specified statutory grounds. The formal procedure requires you to detail your proposed new pattern and consider the potential impact on the business, but the final decision rests with the employer based on those legal criteria.