Flexible Working in Pregnancy: Complete Guide
Pregnancy can make a standard working pattern harder to manage — morning sickness, fatigue and antenatal appointments all take their toll. Flexible working can help you stay comfortable and keep working for longer, and in the UK you have a legal right to request it.
Your right to request flexible working
Since April 2024, the right to request flexible working is a day-one right in the UK, meaning you no longer need a qualifying period of service before you can ask. You can make up to two statutory requests in any 12-month period, and your employer must deal with each request within two months unless you agree a longer timescale.
Flexible working can take many forms, including:
- Part-time hours or a job share
- Compressed hours (your full hours over fewer days)
- Flexitime or staggered start and finish times
- Working from home, fully or partly
How to make a request
- Put your request in writing, stating the change you want and when you would like it to start
- Explain, if you wish, how the change could work for your team
- Keep a copy for your records
Your employer must consider the request reasonably. They can only refuse for one of a set of specific business reasons — for example, an inability to reorganise work among existing staff — and should discuss it with you before deciding.
Pregnancy-related adjustments
Separately from a flexible working request, your employer must carry out a risk assessment if your role could pose a risk during pregnancy, and make reasonable adjustments — such as changing duties or hours — to keep you safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request flexible working during pregnancy?
Yes. Flexible working is a day-one right in the UK, so you can request it from the start of your employment. Put your request in writing, and your employer must consider it reasonably and respond within two months.
Can my employer refuse a flexible working request?
They can, but only for specific business reasons set out in law — such as the burden of extra costs or an inability to reorganise work among existing staff. They must handle your request reasonably, and you can appeal or seek advice if you feel it was refused unfairly.
Is a pregnancy risk assessment the same as flexible working?
No. A risk assessment is a separate legal duty: if your job could pose a health and safety risk in pregnancy, your employer must assess it and make reasonable adjustments to your duties, hours or conditions, regardless of any flexible working request.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to your HR department for your specific situation.
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