How soon does my employer have to consider my flexible working request?

Unless your request is granted immediately or you are told of the employer’s agreement within 28 days, your employer must:

• arrange a meeting with you within 28 days of receiving the application to discuss the request;
• notify you in writing of their decision within 14 days of the date of the meeting. This notification will either:
• accept the request and establish a start date or other action;
• confirm an alternative arrangement agreed at the meeting;
• or reject the request and set out clear business reasons for the rejection together with notification of the appeals process.

If you decide to appeal, the employer must:

• arrange to hear your appeal within 14 days of being informed of your decision to appeal;
• notify you in writing of their decision on the appeal within 14 days after the date of the meeting. This notification will either:
• uphold the appeal; specify the agreed variation and start date;
• or dismiss the appeal, state the grounds for the decision and contain a sufficient explanation of the refusal.