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Iceni Magazine | March 28, 2024

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How to Request A Flexible Working Schedule

How to Request A Flexible Working Schedule

When you first start a new job, you will usually agree to a schedule and set hours.

This could be a typical 9-5 schedule, or possible something that fits around the school run or your morning commute.

This might suit you at the time of starting the role but over the years, your circumstances can change. For this reason, you might need to change your working hours and request a flexible working schedule.

In this guide, we are going to give you some tips to help you successfully request this kind of change.

Understand What Flexible Working Is

Before you request a flexible working schedule with your employer, you should first understand the types of flexible working. Not all of these will be suited to your circumstances and so you need to know what you are asking for.

For example, you might request part time hours, or you might ask to work from home. Job sharing and compressed hours are also options for some employees. Once you know what you need, you can ask for the right thing.

Write to Your Employer

In order to be eligible for flexible working, you need to have been employed by the same employer for the last 26 weeks. If this is not the case, you could find that you will have trouble convincing them to allow this change.

To request the change, you must make a statutory application. This simply involves you writing to your employer and letting them know about the change in circumstances and what you require. You should include the date, the statement and details of when you want it to start. You should also explain how you think this might affect the business and how this could be resolved.

Getting A Response

By law, your employer is required to consider your flexible working requests in a reasonable manner. They will be legally allowed to wait 3 months until they give you an answer. For this reason, you might want to apply in advance if possible. Your employer will write to you with their decision with a new start date and a statement that details the changes.

If They Say No

If your employer has decided that they do not wish to approve your request, you might be able to seek further action. Employment solicitors are experienced in dealing with these kinds of issues and so could help you get the answer that you need. Your employer will need to prove that flexible working would affect their business negatively and so if they haven’t, you could have a case on your hands. A solicitor will help guide you through the process.

Apply Soon

If you are considering requesting your hours move to a flexible working schedule, you should make sure to apply as soon as possible. Your employer could wait three months to give you a response, so you need to be prepared. Flexible working can be very beneficial for many people so don’t hesitate to follow our advice.


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