ADM HRThe people & work library
⌕
← All templates

Flexible working / Employer letter

Flexible working request acknowledgement

Acknowledge a statutory request and explain how it will be considered.

Download Word DOCX · 49 KB · v1.0

Great Britain · Checked 26 September 2026 · Two pages: letter and removable guidance

Before you send

Complete every bracketed field, choose applicable options and remove unused text. Remove the guidance page from the recipient’s copy. Keep the source acknowledgement when sharing the template.

  1. Record receipt and calculate the decision deadline. Current Acas guidance provides a two-month period, including any appeal, unless an extension is agreed.
  2. Consult before rejecting a request. An acknowledgement is not an approval or a refusal.
  3. Keep any disability adjustment request in view as a separate obligation. Recheck current requirements before using the template.
Preview the editable letter

[Date]

Dear [employee name],

Thank you for your statutory flexible working request received on [date]. We will consider it as soon as possible.

If we can accept the request in full without further discussion, we will confirm the agreed arrangement in writing.

Otherwise, we will arrange a meeting to discuss the changes requested, their practical effects, ways to support your request and any alternatives you would like us to consider.

We aim to communicate the decision by [date within the applicable decision period]. If more time is needed, we will discuss and seek agreement to an extension rather than assume one.

You may bring a colleague or trade union representative to the discussion. Please contact [name, email and telephone] if you need adjustments or have questions about the arrangements.

This letter acknowledges your request; it does not confirm a change to your employment terms.

Yours sincerely, [Manager name] [Job title and organisation]

What we adapted

Added a deadline prompt, agreed-extension wording and a distinction between acknowledgement and approval. The companion offer is good practice.

Source and permissions

Read the original Acas template ↗
Source last updated 2024-04-06.

Relevant Acas guidance ↗

Acas source material is Crown copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ADM HR branding and editorial additions are independent. This is not an official Acas document and is not endorsed by Acas.