Flexible Working Request (Ireland)
Formal Request for Flexible Working — Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023
[Request Date]
[Manager Name]
Dear [Manager Name],
FORMAL REQUEST FOR FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENT
I am writing to make a formal request for a flexible working arrangement under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022.
My details: [Employee Name], [Job Title], [Department]. I have been employed since [Employment Start Date] and have completed the required minimum of 6 months' continuous service to be eligible to make this request.
1. CURRENT ARRANGEMENT
Current contracted hours: [Current Hours] hours per week.
Current working pattern: [Current Pattern].
2. PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT
I request the following flexible working arrangement: [Arrangement Type].
Proposed weekly hours: [Proposed Hours].
Proposed working pattern: [Proposed Pattern].
Proposed commencement date: [Proposed Start Date].
3. REASONS FOR REQUEST
Personal circumstances: [Personal Reason]
How the arrangement can work: [Business Case]
4. REQUESTED RESPONSE
Under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, I request a written response to this request within four weeks. If additional time is required to consider the request, please advise me at the earliest opportunity.
I am happy to discuss this request at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
[Employee Name]
[Job Title] — [Department]
Employee
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Flexible Working Request (Ireland)?
A Flexible Working Request in Ireland records an employment request, entitlement, or HR particular and the information the parties need to action it, as regulated by the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015.
The legal framework governing the Flexible Working Request (Ireland) in Ireland draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, enforced by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), parties to this agreement retain rights under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2015 and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Section 8 of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 grants the WRC adjudication officers jurisdiction to hear claims. The Data Protection Act 2018, implementing GDPR in Ireland, governs personal data processed under this agreement. Revenue Commissioners require PAYE/PRSI compliance for all employment arrangements. Parties executing a Flexible Working Request (Ireland) in Ireland should confirm the document reflects current Irish law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 sets the foundational requirements, while secondary legislation and statutory instruments may impose additional obligations depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
When Do You Need a Flexible Working Request (Ireland)?
A Flexible Working Request is needed whenever parties in Ireland wish to formalize their arrangement regarding employment relationships, workplace rights, and HR administration. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In the employment context, you will typically need a Flexible Working Request when hiring new employees, when changing the terms of existing employment arrangements, when addressing workplace issues, or when managing the departure of staff members. Employers in Ireland have specific legal obligations regarding employment documentation and record-keeping. You should also consider using a Flexible Working Request when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In Ireland, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered established standards and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Flexible Working Request before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in Ireland, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Flexible Working Request is also important. In Ireland, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Flexible Working Request (Ireland)
A well-drafted Flexible Working Request for use in Ireland should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in Ireland, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (EUR), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In Ireland, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of Irish courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of Ireland and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Irish courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In Ireland, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records. The forms-legal.com Flexible Working Request (Ireland) template covers the mandatory elements under Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Flexible Working Request (Ireland) (Ireland) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/ireland/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-ireland
"Flexible Working Request (Ireland) (Ireland)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/ireland/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-ireland.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Flexible Working Request (Ireland) (Ireland)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/ireland/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-ireland}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (commenced in stages from 2023) grants employees with caring responsibilities the right to request flexible working arrangements, including changes to hours, patterns, or place of work. Employees must have at least six months' continuous service to qualify. The employer must consider the request having regard to the needs of the business and respond within four weeks (extendable to eight weeks in complex cases). Where an employer refuses or partially refuses a request, they must give written reasons. Employees can refer a dispute to the WRC if they believe their request was not properly considered. The right to request is not an absolute right to flexible working — the employer can refuse on objective business grounds. Under Ireland law, specifically the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, parties should seek independent legal advice to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements and confirm the document meets the standards set by the relevant regulatory authorities.
The Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Request Remote Working was published by the WRC in January 2022 under the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Although a statutory right to request remote work was proposed in the Remote Work Bill, the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was ultimately enacted to cover this area. The Code of Practice remains a useful guide to established standards for handling remote work requests. Under the Code, employers should consider requests in good faith, have a written remote work policy, and give employees a reasoned response. While the Code is not legally binding, the WRC takes it into account when adjudicating disputes about remote work arrangements. Under Ireland law, specifically the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, parties should seek independent legal advice to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements and confirm the document meets the standards set by the relevant regulatory authorities.
Yes — an Irish employer can refuse a flexible working request on objective business grounds under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Legitimate grounds for refusal include: the nature of the role requires physical presence; the proposed arrangement would create an undue burden in terms of cost or administrative effort; the arrangement would have a significant negative impact on the business's operations, productivity, or ability to serve customers; or it is not technically feasible. The employer must give written reasons for any refusal. A blanket policy of refusing all flexible working requests without individual consideration is unlikely to satisfy the Act's requirements and may give rise to WRC complaints. Refusal of a flexible working request related to a protected ground under the Employment Equality Acts (such as disability or family status) may constitute discrimination.
Flexible working is a broad term that covers a range of arrangements that differ from a standard full-time 9-to-5 Monday-to-Friday pattern — including compressed working weeks, flexi-time, job sharing, staggered hours, annualised hours, and remote/hybrid working. Part-time work specifically refers to a reduction in the number of contracted hours, and is governed by the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001, which implements EU Directive 97/81/EC. Part-time employees are entitled to the same hourly rate of pay, pension access, and employment rights as comparable full-time employees, on a pro-rata basis. A request for flexible working may or may not involve a reduction in hours — an employee who requests a compressed 4-day week at the same total hours is requesting a flexible working arrangement, not part-time work. Both types of request should be handled under the employer's flexible working policy and in accordance with the 2023 Act.
A Flexible Working Request (Ireland) does not legally require a lawyer in Ireland, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Ireland lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Registration Office (CRO) may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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