Flexible Working Request Form: How to Complete It

Many employers provide a flexible working request form. This guide explains how to complete it correctly, what information is actually required, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Do You Need to Use a Form?

No Mandatory Form

There is no official government-issued flexible working request form.

Any written request is valid as long as it contains the required information.

Company Forms

Some employers provide their own form to standardize requests and ensure all necessary information is captured.

You can:

• Use the employer's form (if provided)
• Write your own letter
• Send an email

All are equally valid.

Why Forms Exist

Benefits of using a form:

• Ensures you include all required information
• Creates a clear record
• Employer can process it consistently
• May help you think through the details

But: Not mandatory. A simple email works too.

Required Information

The Law Says You Must Include

1. In writing - not verbal
2. Dated - the date you submit it
3. Statement - that it's a statutory flexible working request
4. The change - exactly what you want to change (hours, times, or location)
5. Start date - when you want the change to take effect

That's it. Since April 2024, you don't need to include anything else.

What You DON'T Need to Include (Since April 2024)

Previously required, now optional:

• How the change would affect the employer
• How the employer could deal with any effects
• Detailed justification for your request

If a form asks for these, you can:

• Leave them blank
• Write "N/A"
• Provide information if you want to (but it's not required)

Section-by-Section Guide

Section 1: Personal Details

What's usually asked:

• Name
• Job title
• Department
• Employee number

How to complete: Fill in accurately. This identifies you and your role.

Section 2: Current Working Pattern

What's usually asked:

• Current days/hours
• Current location
• Current start/finish times

How to complete: Be specific about your current arrangement.

Example: "Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, office-based, 37.5 hours per week"

Section 3: Requested Change

What's usually asked:

• What change you want
• New days/hours
• New location
• New start/finish times

How to complete: Be very specific about exactly what you want.

Examples:

Part-time request: "Reduce to 3 days per week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9am-5pm (22.5 hours per week)"

Hybrid request: "Work from home Tuesday and Thursday each week, office-based Monday, Wednesday, Friday"

Compressed hours: "Monday to Thursday 8am-6pm (40 hours including unpaid lunch), Friday off"

Flexitime: "Flexible start 7am-10am, flexible finish 3pm-7pm, maintaining 37.5 hours per week, core hours 10am-3pm"

Section 4: Start Date

What's usually asked:

• When you want the change to start

How to complete: Give a realistic date, ideally 2-3 months away to allow planning time.

Example: "1 September 2025"

Tip: Choose the start of a pay period or month if possible (makes payroll easier).

Section 5: Permanent or Trial

What's usually asked:

• Do you want this permanently or as a trial?

How to complete: Most requests are for permanent change.

If you're unsure: You can suggest a trial period (e.g., 3-6 months) with a review.

Example: "Permanent change" or "3-month trial period with review"

Section 6: Impact on Business (May Be Asked)

What's usually asked:

• How will this affect the team/business?
• How could the impact be managed?

How to complete:

Since April 2024: You're NOT required to answer this.

You can:

• Leave it blank
• Write "N/A"
• Provide thoughts if you want to (might help your case)

If you choose to answer: Keep it brief and positive.

Example: "My role is largely independent desk-based work that can be done from any location. I will remain available by email and Teams during working hours."

Section 7: Previous Requests (May Be Asked)

What's usually asked:

• Have you made a flexible working request before?
• If yes, when and what was the outcome?

How to complete: Answer honestly. You're allowed 2 requests per 12 months, so previous requests are fine.

Example: "Yes, 18 months ago. Requested reduced hours. Request was agreed and I currently work part-time."

Or: "No, this is my first request."

Section 8: Declaration

What's usually asked:

• Confirmation this is a statutory flexible working request
• Signature
• Date

How to complete:

Tick or sign to confirm:

• This is a statutory request under Employment Rights Act 1996
• Information provided is accurate

Date it - this is when your request formally begins.

Sample Completed Form

Employee Name: Jane Smith Job Title: Marketing Manager Department: Marketing Employee Number: 12345

Current Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm, office-based, 40 hours per week

Requested Change: Work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Continue working from office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Same hours (9am-5:30pm).

Start Date: 1 August 2025

Permanent or Trial: Permanent

Previous Requests: None

Declaration: I confirm this is a statutory flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the information provided is accurate.

Signature: Jane Smith Date: 10 May 2025

Common Form Issues

Issue 1: Forms Asking for Outdated Information

Problem: Form still asks you to explain business impact (pre-2024 requirement).

Solution: Write "N/A" or leave blank. You're not required to provide this since April 2024.

Issue 2: Overly Complex Forms

Problem: Form has 5 pages of questions.

Solution: Complete required fields only. You only need to specify what you want and when.

Issue 3: Form Implies You Need a "Good Reason"

Problem: Form suggests you need to justify your request.

Solution: You don't need to justify. Simply state what you want. Your reasons are personal.

Issue 4: Form Asks for Manager Approval First

Problem: Form has a section for manager to "pre-approve" before formal submission.

Solution: This isn't part of the statutory process. Submit directly and let the proper consultation process happen.

If Your Employer Doesn't Have a Form

Write Your Own

Use this simple template:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Manager Name],

Statutory Flexible Working Request

I am writing to make a statutory flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Current arrangement: [describe current pattern]

Requested change: [describe what you want]

Proposed start date: [date]

I confirm this is a statutory flexible working request.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Name]

Email Format

Subject: Statutory Flexible Working Request

Dear [Manager],

I am writing to make a statutory flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

I currently work [current pattern].

I would like to request [new pattern].

I would like this to start from [date].

I confirm this is a statutory flexible working request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Multiple Changes in One Form

You Can Request Multiple Changes

Example:

• Reduce hours AND change location
• Change days AND change times

How to show this:

Current: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9-5, office-based

Requested: Part-time, Monday-Wednesday, 8-4, work from home

This shows three changes (hours, days, times, location) but counts as ONE request.

Amending Your Form After Submission

Can You Change It?

Before they make a decision: Yes, you can amend or withdraw your request.

Contact your employer: "I would like to amend my flexible working request dated [date]. Instead of [original request], I would now like to request [amended request]."

Effect: Resets the 2-month clock from the date of the amendment.

Withdrawing

At any point before decision: You can withdraw entirely.

Benefit: Doesn't count toward your 2-per-year limit.

How: Email or write: "I would like to withdraw my flexible working request dated [date]."

After Submitting Your Form

What Happens Next

Within a few days: Employer should acknowledge receipt.

Within 2 months:

1. Employer arranges consultation meeting
2. You discuss the request
3. Employer makes decision
4. You receive written outcome

Keep a Copy

Save:

• Completed form (or email)
• Proof of submission (email confirmation, receipt)
• Any correspondence

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Dating It

The date you submit starts the 2-month clock. Always include it.

Mistake 2: Being Vague

"I want flexibility" - too vague.

"I want to work from home on Fridays" - specific and clear.

Mistake 3: Not Saying It's Statutory

State clearly: "This is a statutory flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 1996."

This triggers the legal protections.

Mistake 4: Over-Explaining

You don't need pages of justification. Keep it simple and factual.

Mistake 5: Expecting Immediate Approval

Employer has up to 2 months to complete the process. Don't expect an instant decision.

Mistake 6: Not Keeping a Copy

Always keep proof of what you submitted and when.

Tips for Completing Forms

Tip 1: Read the Whole Form First

Understand what's being asked before you start filling it in.

Tip 2: Be Specific

Vague requests are harder to assess. Say exactly what you want.

Tip 3: Choose Realistic Dates

Give your employer time to plan. 2-3 months' notice is considerate (though not required).

Tip 4: Keep It Professional

Use professional language, even if the request is for personal reasons.

Tip 5: Proofread

Check for errors before submitting. A clear, well-written request looks more serious.

Tip 6: Don't Over-Promise

Don't commit to things you can't deliver (e.g., "I'll be available 24/7 if I work from home").

Digital vs Paper Forms

Digital Submission

Email: Most common and convenient.

Online form: Some companies have web-based forms.

Benefits:

• Automatic date/time stamp
• Easy to keep copies
• Fast delivery

Paper Submission

Hand-deliver: Get them to sign/date receipt.

Post: Use recorded delivery for proof.

Benefits:

• Formal record
• Some people prefer paper

Either is fine. Choose what works for you.

Key Takeaways

• No mandatory government form - email, letter, or company form all work
• Must include: Date, statement it's statutory request, change wanted, start date
• Don't need to include (since 2024): Business impact, suggested solutions
• Be specific about exactly what you want
• Keep copies of everything you submit
• If form asks outdated questions, write "N/A" - not required
• Simple is fine - you don't need pages of explanation

Completing a flexible working request form is straightforward. Focus on clearly stating what you want and when, keep a copy, and let the consultation process address any questions or concerns.