In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), employees can make a statutory request for flexible working from their first day in a job. Put the request in writing, describe the pattern and start date you want, and state whether and when you made an earlier application. Your employer must discuss the request with you before refusing it.
What can you ask to change?
A statutory request can propose a change to your hours, working times or place of work. That can include part-time hours, different start and finish times, different working days, homeworking or a hybrid pattern. You can request one change or combine several. GOV.UK’s flexible-working guidance describes the scope of the right.
Before writing, compare options by the hours and weekly commitment, when those hours fall, where you work, and how the arrangement would affect service, meetings, handovers and cover. Consider whether an alternative pattern could meet the same need. This preparation can make a discussion more productive; it is not an additional statutory form requirement. Acas guidance on preparing a request explains the discussion process.
Who can make a statutory request?
The statutory right is for employees, and it applies from the first day of employment. Parents and carers follow the same request procedure as other employees. Agency workers, casual workers and zero-hours workers are not likely to be employees, according to Acas, so status can affect whether the statutory procedure applies. GOV.UK’s overview sets out the first-day right.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Fully Adjustable Office Chair: Customized chairs, featuring with an adjustable 2D headrest, backrest with 90° to 120° recline, and 3D adjustable armrests for multiple work postures at will and discover unparalleled comfort throughout the workday.
- Adaptable Lumbar Support: Our computer chair lumbar support system adjusts 1.18" forward & backward and 2.16" up & down to precisely match your height and body shape, providing tailored comfort and promoting optimal sitting posture.
- Supportive Mesh: The minimalist mesh backrest molds to your back with responsive support while promoting maximum airflow to keep you cool. Every component is designed with your safety and well-being in mind.
- Comfy Desk Chair Seat: Adapting 3.14" thick high-density foam to desk chair seat，double your comfort in daily work moreover high weight capacity 330 lbs for long-term durability. Wider seat provides a larger load-bearing area, enhancing overall support and sitting ease.
- Flexible Armrests: Move smoothly rounded PU-padded armrests forward or back and swivel them left or right to find the optimal arm position. Flip the armrests up when you want more freedom or to easily slide the ergonomic chair under the desk.
You can also make an informal request, which does not have to follow the statutory procedure. Acas says a similar fair process can still help an employer consider one.
What to include in your written request
Send an email or letter, or use the GOV.UK flexible-working application form. Check your workplace policy for the submission route or designated contact, and keep a copy. GOV.UK lists these required details:
Rank #2
- High-Resilience Molded Foam Seat – Won’t Flatten After 1 Year – Instead of budget foam that hardens and sags within months, the seat is built with high-density, high-resilience molded foam that bounces back day after day. It maintains its shape and cushioning far longer, preventing the “bottoming out” discomfort common at this price point
- Adjustable Lumbar, Not a Fixed Afterthought – Unlike flimsy plastic supports that crack or lose tension, this chair features a durable lumbar mechanism that adjusts depth to match your spine’s natural curve. Genuinely relieves lower back pressure during long sitting sessions
- Breathable Mesh Backrest – No Peeling, No Heat Buildup – Say goodbye to flaking faux leather. The high-tension mesh back promotes continuous airflow, keeping you cool in warm environments and eliminating the mess of peeling upholstery. Mesh holds up significantly better over time and looks professional years later
- Anti-Sink BIFMA Certified Gas Cylinder – A common failure in budget chairs: the pneumatic cylinder loses pressure and slowly sinks during use. Our Class 3 BIFMA-certified gas lift is built to hold its height reliably, so your chair stays exactly where you set it—year after year. No more sudden drops or mid-work adjustments
- Heavy-Duty Metal Core Base (330 lbs Capacity) – Thin plastic bases can crack under stress, especially near the cylinder hub. We use a reinforced nylon base with a metal core, providing the durability and peace of mind you need. Smooth-rolling, 360° silent casters glide across hardwood, tile, or carpet without scratching or catching
- The date you are making the request.
- A clear statement that it is a statutory request for flexible working.
- The change you want and the date you want it to start.
- Whether you have made a previous application and, if so, when.
You do not need to give a personal reason in the statutory application requirements listed by GOV.UK. If you choose to share context, keep the focus on the arrangement and how it could work. Acas notes that you may explain your reasons in discussion if you wish.
Example wording
Adapt this outline to your workplace policy and circumstances:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- 【Super Comfortable Office Chair】The thickened sponge seat cushion is quite soft and highly resilient, making it suitable for sedentary lifestyle. The cushion surface of PU leather is more skin-friendly and easy to clean. Breathable mesh backrest can effectively prevent sweat and keep your back cool
- 【Ergonomic Design】The S-shaped curve of the chair fits the spine of the human waist and back well, improving the sitting posture and protecting the health of the spine. Its wider seat provides a larger load-bearing area and relieves pressure on your buttocks
- 【Adjustable Comfort】Equipped with a lumbar support that can be adjusted up and down, adding support can help you focus on your work. Adjustable seat height meets the needs of various heights. Seat height range (cushion to floor) is 17.72''-22.44''. The tilt rocking function allows you to switch between work and rest at will (Please loosen the tension knob first)
- 【Sturdy and Space-saving】This chair passed SGS certification and BIFMA test, maximum capacity is up to 300 lbs. The 3-stage cylinder ensures the safety and stability of the chair. With 90°flip-up armrests, you can easily push the chair under the table to save more space. Quiet casters and 360°swivel help move smoothly in the office, study or conference room
- 【Easy to Assemble】All the parts, screws and wrench needed to install the chair are in the box. Following the detailed installation manual, you can install the chair in about 15-20 minutes. Installation video can also help you with installation
[Date]
Dear [manager or designated contact],
I am making a statutory request for flexible working. I would like to change my working pattern to [days, hours and start/finish times, and/or work location] from [proposed start date].
[I have not made a previous flexible-working application / I made my previous application on (date).]
Rank #4
Sale
MUXX.STIL Office Chair, Ergonomic Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support and Flip up Armrest, Breathable Mesh Computer Chair for Home Office, Khaki
- 【Enhanced Lumbar Support】This office chair features a large and adjustable lumbar support cushion filled with thick sponge to cradle your lower back and help you maintain a comfortable posture for long hours of work. It also has an S-shaped ergonomic backrest that aligns with your spine and reduces pressure and muscle fatigue.
- 【Space Saving】The armrests of this desk chair can be flipped up 90° to fit different needs and save space. You can slide the chair under the desk when not in use. The armrests are contoured to match your arms’ shape and have soft padding to protect your wrists and elbows. The computer chair can be adjusted in height by 3.74 inches and swivel 360° for convenience.
- 【Versatile Use】The rubber mute wheels of this mesh chair roll smoothly and quietly without scratching your wooden floor. You can also recline the chair by pulling out the lever and enjoy a relaxing break from work. This chair is suitable for various settings, such as office, living room, study room, meeting room, etc.
- 【Comfortable & Safe】Muxx.Stil ergonomic office chair has a U-shaped seat cushion filled with high-density foam that conforms to your body and relieves pressure on your thighs and hips. The seat also has a waterfall edge design that promotes blood circulation in your legs. The breathable nylon mesh material allows air circulation and keeps you cool all day long. Max capacity: 264 lbs.
- 【Easy To Assemble & 15-year Warranty】You can easily set up this mesh chair in 15-20 minutes with the provided instruction manual, video, and tools. All task chairs come with a 15-year warranty, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or issues. We will provide you with effective assistance.
I expect this arrangement to work by [briefly describe any relevant arrangements for duties, handovers, meetings or cover]. I would be happy to discuss practical alternatives if needed.
Kind regards,
[Name]
The explanation about how the work might operate is useful preparation, not one of the required statutory application details.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- 【400LBS Big and Tall Office Chair】Designed specifically for heavy people, Thicken and enlarged size headrest greatly improves the contact area perfectly supporting your head and neck.The prominent sides of the backrest wrap around your back better to support it on both sides and reduce pains and pressure. 400lbs weight capacity fit people with different height and body type. Even if you are big and tall, you also can get a comfortable sitting experience
- 【Spring Lumbar Support & Upgraded Cloud-like Seat Cushion】 Experience all-around comfort with the built-in spring lumbar support and dual-layer high-density sponge backrest. The upgraded seat cushion features a innovative triple-pad design that delivers cloud-like softness and segmented support. Effectively alleviate pressure on your hips and lumbar region, while the wider design provides maximum comfort for your thighs and buttocks
- 【Premium PU Leather】This office chair features a elegant embossing pattern and is upholstered in high-quality faux leather with an embossed pattern. Featuring breathable, durability, smoothly, scratch-resistant, pet-friendly, non-pilling and easy to clean, suitable for home office use. The comfortable chairs are just for you
- 【Stable and Durable Construction】The frame of this oversized desk chair is made of sturdy metal, built to with stand the test of time, the heavy duty office chair features a 3-level gas lift and heavy duty metal base. This luxury office desk chair offers unwavering stability and eliminates the worry of gradual sinking. The backrest reclines from 90° to 135°, meeting the needs of work, reading, entertainment, and relaxation.
- 【Office Chair Worry-free Purchase】Customer satisfaction about the modern office chair is our top priority! Rest assured that our office chairs are accompanied by all the necessary hardware and tools for easy installation, The executive desk chair can be easily installed and finished in about 15-30 minutes. If you have any questions about the computer office chair, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing excellent assistance and support
What happens after you submit it?
Your employer must discuss a statutory request with you before refusing it. The Acas Code of Practice says requests should be handled reasonably and promptly, with discussion between employer and employee. If you reasonably ask to be accompanied at a discussion meeting, you should be allowed a fellow worker, a trade union representative or an official employed by a trade union. The revised Acas Code has applied since 6 April 2024. Read the Acas Code of Practice on flexible-working requests.
The usual decision period is two months from the date of your request, unless you agree to a longer period. If your employer accepts, the relevant terms and conditions in your contract must change. If the employer refuses, it must give a business reason. GOV.UK explains the application and decision process.
How many requests can you make?
You can make two statutory applications in any 12-month period. You may also make an informal request, which does not count as a statutory application because it does not use that procedure. GOV.UK’s application guidance gives the statutory limit.
Which UK procedure applies?
This process covers Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. GOV.UK says flexible-working rules differ in Northern Ireland, so do not assume this procedure applies there; check Northern Ireland-specific guidance before relying on it. GOV.UK’s overview flags the jurisdictional difference.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
