How should I go about making a request for flexible working?

You must comply with the following rules when making a request. Your application must:

• be made in writing, in either paper or electronic form, stating that it is being made under the statutory right to apply for flexible working
• confirm your relationship to the child (and if relevant with the child’s parent)
• set out your proposed change to your working patterns and explain what effect you think this change would have on your employer and how this might be dealt with
• state whether you have made a previous application under this right and if so the date on which it was made
• be dated.

In addition, if you are making the request in respect of a child, your employer must receive your request at least 14 days before the child’s 16th birthday, or in the case of a disabled child, 18th birthday.