How to appeal a refusal of a formal request to work flexibly

If your employer refuses your request for flexible working, you can appeal within 14 days of getting the written reasons for refusal.

You can appeal on any grounds.  For example, your employer may not have taken something into account when s/he made the decision or made a mistake about some relevant facts or you may want to challenge the business reason s/he has given you.

You can appeal on Form FW(D) which you can get from the Direct gov website, or you can write your own letter.  Your appeal letter must be in writing and dated, and set out the grounds for the appeal.  It is a good idea to get advice about what to put in the appeal.

Unless your employer is now going to grant your request, they have to have a meeting with you within 14 days of getting your appeal letter, then give you a final decision in writing 14 days after the meeting.

If your employer still turns you down, and you feel they are being unreasonable, you may need  more advice about sex discrimination from, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau.