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United Kingdom Flexible Working Decision Deadline Calculator

Source: https://www.acas.org.uk/acas-code-of-practice-on-flexible-working-requests/html

Flexible working decision deadline calculator
Result

Enter the request date to calculate the deadline.

Informational — statutory default decision period; extendable by agreement. Source: Acas. This is not legal advice.

Managing this situation?

Someone requested flexible working

Flexible Working Process Pack

Work out the statutory deadline for an employer to decide a flexible working request. Enter the date the request was received; the calculator returns the date by which the decision (including any appeal) must normally be made — 2 months later — unless a longer period is agreed.

Key figures
  • Day-one right: Statutory flexible working requests are a day-one right (since 6 April 2024).
  • Decision deadline: The employer must decide, including any appeal, within 2 months of receiving the request, unless a longer period is agreed in writing.
  • Request limit: An employee can make up to 2 statutory requests in any 12-month period.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an employer have to respond to a flexible working request?
2 months from receiving the request, including any appeal, unless a longer period is agreed in writing. Enter the request date above for the exact deadline.
When does the two-month period start?
On the date the employer receives the statutory request.
Can the deadline be extended?
Yes — but only if the employer and employee agree a longer period (ideally in writing).
Is flexible working a day-one right?
Yes. Since 6 April 2024, an employee can make a statutory request from their first day — no qualifying period is needed.
How many requests can an employee make?
Up to 2 statutory requests in any 12-month period.
On what grounds can an employer refuse?
Only for one or more of the eight statutory business reasons, and the employer should consult the employee first. (See the Flexible Working Process Pack for the full list and letters.)
Can I appeal a refusal?
There is no statutory right of appeal. Many employers offer an appeal as good practice — if they do, it still has to be dealt with inside the same two-month period (unless a longer period is agreed).
Sources

Day-one right since 6 April 2024 · source: Acas/GOV.UK.

Acas Code of Practice on requests for flexible working

This tool reflects the statutory two-month decision period that applies in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland has a separate flexible-working regime with a different decision timetable, so this deadline does not apply there. Informational only — not legal advice.

Explore the Flexible Working Process Pack