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You can ask for flexible working from your first day in a job. Here's how

Employees in England, Scotland and Wales can make a formal request for flexible working from day one in a new job. This guide explains what to put in your written request, how many requests you can make, and how long your employer has to decide.

Reviewed 06/11/2026 · Applies to: England, Scotland and Wales

Who this helps

Employees in England, Scotland and Wales, including newcomers starting their first UK job, who want different hours, start times or home working.

What to do

  1. Know your right: employees can ask for flexible working from their first day in a job. Flexible working can mean different hours, different start and finish times, or working from home some or all of the time.
  2. Put your request in writing, by email or letter. Include the date, a statement that this is a statutory request for flexible working, the change you want, and when you would like it to start.
  3. Say whether you have made a flexible working request before, and if so, when. You can make two requests in any 12-month period.
  4. Expect a conversation. Your employer must discuss your request with you before they can refuse it.
  5. Your employer must make a decision within two months of your request, unless you agree to a longer period.
  6. If your request is refused and you think it was not handled properly, get free advice from Acas or Citizens Advice before taking further steps.

Before you act

  • This covers England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate employment law.
  • This is a right to ask, not a guarantee. Your employer can refuse a request for valid business reasons after discussing it with you.
  • This is general information, not legal advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

UK government guidance: applying for flexible working ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.