Qualifying employees (being those who have worked for 26 weeks continuously) are entitled under Northern Irish Law to make a flexible working request to their employer. This request can be in relation to their working hours, working times, place of work or any other aspect of the terms of conditions of employment.

If an employee does make an application, that application must state that the employee is making a request to vary their contract, and specify the date that the changes should become effective. The employee should also outline what effect, if any, this change may have on the employer and how to accommodate the changes or mitigate any consequences.

Note, an employee can only make a flexible working request once every 12 months. Employers may see increased requests for flexible working given the legislative focus in this area and changes to working practices following the pandemic.