Flexible working request declined? Here’s what to do 

Having your flexible working request declined can be a real setback. But don’t panic just yet! Whether you’re tweaking your hours or setting up a home office, it’s important to understand the reasons to decline a flexible working request, your rights, and next steps if things don’t go to plan. Let’s break it down.

What is a flexible working request?

A flexible working request allows employees to request changes to their working hours or location to better suit their personal needs. Whether it’s starting later, working from home or tweaking your hours to dodge rush hour traffic, it’s all about making work fit around your life. 🚗

Under UK law, all employees can request flexible working from their first day on the job and employers must consider flexible working requests in a ‘reasonable manner’. You can ask for changes to:

This flexibility can help you find that perfect work-life balance, but remember, just because you ask, doesn’t mean it’s a done deal!

How does a flexible working request affect your tax situation?

Thinking about submitting a flexible working request? It’s not just your work schedule that might change, your tax situation could get a little shake-up too.

Working from home and tax relief

If your request includes working from home, you could be eligible for work-from-home tax relief, like:

• Energy costs: heating and electricity ⚡
• Office supplies: pens, paper, printer ink etc. ✏️
• Equipment costs: computers, desks, chairs etc. 🖥️

This can help offset the extra costs of running your home office. You can either claim a flat rate of £6 per week or calculate your actual expenses if they’re higher – just be sure to keep track of them!

National Insurance Contributions (NICs)

If your flexible working request changes your hours or income, it could affect your National Insurance contributions. Fewer hours may lower your contributions, while more hours or overtime could push you into a higher NIC bracket. 👀

Income Tax and PAYE

Changes to your hours or salary can impact your PAYE tax deductions. A salary adjustment may change your tax code, so it’s important to review your payslips to ensure you’re paying the correct amount of tax. 📄

Why might your flexible working request be declined?

It’s disappointing to have your flexible working request declined, but understanding why it didn’t get the green light is key to planning your next steps. Some of the reasons to reject a flexible working request include:

These are just a few reasons to reject a flexible working request, but it doesn’t always mean it’s the end of the road – there’s always the option to appeal! 

Starting a flexible working request appeal 

Got a “no” on your flexible working request? It’s disheartening, but it’s not game over. Many employers still offer an appeals process (even if they’re not legally required to). Here’s how to handle it:

1. Check the appeals process: start by reviewing your company’s policies. Does your employer have a formal procedure for appealing decisions? If so, make sure to follow it to the letter. 🔍

2. Follow company procedures: when appealing, stick to the outlined steps in your workplace policies, such as submitting a written appeal, attending a meeting to discuss your case, and providing any additional information to support your request. 

3. Know when to escalate: in some cases, you might need to take things further. You can bring a complaint to an employment tribunal within 3 months of the issue if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly. 🚨

Moving forward 

Having your flexible working request declined is disappointing, but it’s a chance to reassess and plan. Start by understanding the reasons to decline a flexible working request and exploring your employer’s flexible working request appeal process. 
And while you focus on navigating your options, we’ll handle the tax side of things. From work-from-home relief to income changes, we’re here to offer you a helping hand.