Reference · Jurisdiction
Statutory flexible working requests in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Employees in Great Britain can make a statutory flexible working request from their first day of employment. Northern Ireland generally requires 26 weeks of continuous employment and a different application procedure. In either jurisdiction the employer assesses the request under the applicable business grounds.
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.
Check whether the employee can use the statutory route
In Great Britain the right applies from the first day of a job and allows two applications within 12 months. In Northern Ireland, nidirect specifies 26 weeks of continuous employment and generally one application in 12 months. The request can cover changes to working hours, timing or location. Source 1 Source 3
A dated written request sets out the proposed arrangement
GOV.UK asks for the proposed arrangement, start date and details of previous applications. Northern Ireland’s guidance also asks the employee to explain the expected effect on the employer and how that effect might be handled. Keep a copy of what was submitted. Source 1 Source 3
An employer considers the statutory business grounds
In Great Britain an employer must consult the employee before rejecting the request and normally decide within two months. Northern Ireland guidance sets out the meeting and written decision stages. Both list business reasons such as additional costs and effects on customer demand or performance. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
Later reforms have a separate start date
The government’s consultation response says it intends the strengthened framework for Great Britain to take effect in autumn 2027. The two procedures shown here follow the official guidance in force at the November 2026 check. Source 1 Source 3 Source 4