Flexible working entitlements

If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, there is a good chance you will want to reduce your hours or work more flexibly.

It’s important to have a conversation with your employer as quickly as possible. Chances are, you may be able to come to an informal short term arrangement until more information about your diagnosis and treatment plan becomes available.

For longer term arrangements, as an employee you have a right to request a Flexible Working Arrangement.

Download our guide to Flexible Working Entitlements

What do I need to do to submit a formal Flexible Work Agreement (FWA)?

The request must be in writing, e.g. by letter, email or complete a form which can be downloaded.

We recommend to:

  • Plan in advance before making a request
  • Submit your request to your employer as soon as you are sure of what you want
  • Keep a copy of the request and note when you have sent it to your employer; and
  • Remember, the clearer the request the better. It’s up to you to explain the working arrangement that you want and how it can be made to work for both employee and employer.

The employer must reply as soon as possible, but within one month of the date requested. The employer will make the decision on whether or not to grant the request based on business grounds.