Asked for flexible working and they said no? Most requests are rejected because of how they're framed.
You need to work differently. Maybe it is childcare, maybe it is your health, maybe you are burning out commuting every day. So you ask, and they say no.
Most flexible working requests are refused because people ask the wrong way. Since April 2024 you have a day one right to request, but a right to request means nothing if you do not know how to make it stick.
Written by a qualified solicitor with 23 years of employment law experience. England and Wales. General educational information, not individual legal advice.
What you get inside.
The full request and appeal framework. How to frame the ask, the 8 grounds for refusal and how to counter each, the appeal process, and the protections if they retaliate.
Day-one right since April 2024.
What changed in April 2024, what it means for you, and the rules on how many requests per year and how quickly employers must respond.
The 8 grounds for refusal.
The statutory reasons employers can use. What each one actually requires them to demonstrate, and how to counter each in your request.
How to frame the request.
The structure and language that makes refusal harder. Anticipate the objections, address them in writing, and shift the burden back.
Template wording.
Ready-to-use phrasing that's worked in real cases. Adapt to your situation, send.
The appeal process.
What to do if they refuse. The appeal route most people don't use, and the structure that gets a refusal reviewed.
Protection from retaliation.
What counts as detriment for making a flexible working request, and what to do if they treat you differently afterwards.
The full table of contents.
What's covered.
- Flexible working as a day-one right (April 2024).
- What you can request. Hours, days, location.
- How many requests per year, and timelines.
- Framing the request to anticipate objections.
- The 8 statutory grounds for refusal.
- Countering each ground in your request.
- Template wording you can adapt.
- The trial period option.
- The appeal process.
- Discrimination overlay. When refusal is unlawful.
- Protection from retaliation.
- When to escalate to tribunal.
The honest comparison.
If you're going to spend money getting this right, here's the picture. A solicitor will charge £500 + VAT for an initial consultation. This guide is the request and appeal framework so you can run the process yourself.
Who this is for.
If any of this is where you are right now, this is the guide for you.
- You need to work differently for childcare, health, or caring reasons.
- You've made a request and it was refused.
- You don't know how to phrase the request properly.
- You're worried they'll punish you for asking.
- You want to know whether refusal might cross into discrimination.
- You want a template that's actually worked, not generic HR advice.
Get the guide.
One-off purchase, £9.99. Instant PDF download. The complete request, appeal, and template framework.
Get the guide. £9.99Common questions.
Is this legal advice for my specific case?
No. This is general educational information for England and Wales. Every situation is different. For complex cases, consider booking a one-off consultation with a qualified employment solicitor.
How is this delivered?
Instant download as a PDF after purchase. Files won't open? I'll fix it or refund you.
Does this cover Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. England and Wales only. The legal framework, time limits, and statutory references are for England and Wales.
Can I get a refund if I don't find it useful?
Digital guides are non-refundable once downloaded. The full table of contents above shows exactly what's inside. If you have a question before buying, contact info@thesecretlawyer.co.uk.