Source data
Flexible working request rules for employees by jurisdiction
Sources checked
- 01Check eligibility
Great Britain uses a day-one right. Northern Ireland generally uses 26 weeks. Source 3
- 02Write the request
Give the proposed change, start date and applicable details of earlier requests. Source 1
- 03Discuss the application
Follow the meeting and consultation procedure for the relevant jurisdiction. Source 3
- 04Record the decision
Keep the decision, any reasons and any agreed contract changes. Source 2
The qualifying period and response timetable depend on where the statutory procedure applies.
Flexible working request rules for employees by jurisdiction
This covers the statutory request procedure as checked in November 2026. The UK government intends further changes for Great Britain in autumn 2027.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | Eligibility | Employees may apply from their first day in the job. | Source 1 |
| Great Britain | Request frequency | Up to two statutory applications in any 12-month period. | Source 1 |
| Great Britain | Decision period | Within two months unless a longer period is agreed. The employer consults before refusing. | Source 1 |
| Northern Ireland | Eligibility | Generally at least 26 weeks of continuous employment before applying. | Source 3 |
| Northern Ireland | Request frequency | Generally one statutory application in 12 months. | Source 3 |
| Northern Ireland | Request contents | Include the expected effect on the employer and how it could be dealt with. | Source 3 |
| Northern Ireland | Meeting and decision | If the employer does not agree to the request, the guidance normally calls for a meeting within 28 days and a written decision within 14 days of that meeting. | Source 3 |