What happens after you make a formal request to work flexibly

If you have made a formal request to work flexibly that complies with all the rules, your employer must agree to your request and tell you in writing or arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request, within 28 days of receiving it. This time limit can be extended either if you agree to an extension or if the person who has to make the decision is away on leave or is ill. You have the right to be accompanied to the meeting by a worker employed by the same employer (this can be a trade union representative as long as they work for your employer too).

Your employer must give you a decision in writing 14 days after the meeting.  S/he may grant your request; refuse to grant your request but permit an agreed compromise; or refuse your request altogether. 

If your employer refuses your request, s/he must give you written reasons for the refusal and explain the appeal process.

You have 14 days from being given the written reasons for refusal to appeal the decision.  If you do appeal your employer must organise another meeting 14 days after you have made your appeal in writing (unless s/he decides to grant it).

Your employer must tell you 14 days after the appeal meeting whether or not your appeal was upheld.  Again, this must be in writing and must give reasons.