Who it is for
Employers and HR teams planning ahead, who want to start making reasonable, well-explained decisions now.
What it covers
- Day-one requests and the two-a-year limit, which do not change.
- A consultation meeting before any refusal, with a written summary afterwards.
- Considering alternatives, and turning one down only on a statutory ground.
- Decisions that explain why refusing is reasonable.
- Trial periods, appeals, missed meetings and the two-month decision period.
- Protection from detriment, equality and reasonable adjustments.
The law it reflects
Checked against the law in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) as at 19 October 2026.
- The Employment Rights Act 2025 will only let you refuse where a statutory ground applies and it is reasonable to refuse on that ground. The government expects this in autumn 2027. It is not in force yet. Acas is consulting on a revised Code of Practice until 17 December 2026.
- Regulations are also expected to set out a mandatory meeting before any refusal, with a written outcome. Consultation before refusal has been required since April 2024.
- Before you adopt this version, check it against the final regulations and the revised Acas Code of Practice.
Before you use it
It is a starting point, not legal advice. Fill in the placeholders, set your own timescales, and check it fits how your organisation actually works. Take advice if a case is complex, could involve discrimination, or may end up at a tribunal. Northern Ireland has different rules in several areas.
Need more? See the Flexible Working Pack. 13 documents: policy, request form, consultation record, decision and appeal letters, with the 2027 reasonableness test flagged. £79 + VAT, one-off.