Employees can make a flexible working request from their first day, including asking to change their hours, working pattern or workplace. You can normally make up to two requests in a 12-month period, and your employer must decide within two months, including any appeal process. They should discuss the request with you before refusing it, but do not have to accept it and can refuse for one of eight statutory business reasons. Check the latest guidance on GOV.UK or ACAS, and consider speaking to an employment solicitor if you believe your request was mishandled.