Official form guide
Form request for flexible working arrangements template sts: Request for flexible working arrangements template sts
The Request for Flexible Working Arrangements template is a written letter you can use to ask your employer for changes to your work hours, location or pattern. It applies if you meet the eligibility rules under the Fair Work Act.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form request for flexible working arrangements template sts - Request for flexible working arrangements template sts
The Request for Flexible Working Arrangements template is a written letter you can use to ask your employer for changes to your work hours, location or pattern. It applies if you meet the eligibility rules under the Fair Work Act.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Leaving any red placeholder text in the final letter is a common mistake.
- 2Failing to explain the specific change being requested
- 3Not stating the eligible reason (e.g., pregnancy, disability)
- 4Leaving template placeholders unchanged
- 5Sending the request informally without a written record
Plain English
If you’ve been with the same employer for at least a year and you’re pregnant, a parent, a carer, have a disability, are 55+, or are dealing with family violence, you can ask for more flexible work. This template helps you put that request in writing.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the request as soon as you need the change; the employer must reply in writing within 21 days of receiving it.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- You have been employed by your current employer for at least 12 months.
- You fall into one of the eligible categories (pregnant, parent/guardian of a child ≤ school age, carer, disability, 55 +, experiencing family/domestic violence, or supporting a family member experiencing violence).
- You want to request a change to your hours, work pattern, or location.
- You need a written request that clearly states the change and the reason for it.
- You prefer a ready‑made letter rather than drafting your own from scratch.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for parental leave
Different legislation (Paid Parental Leave Act)
✓ Verify you need the parental leave form instead of this template
Requesting a change to award or enterprise agreement conditions
Not a flexible‑working request under the NES
✓ Check award/enterprise agreement procedures
Enterprise Agreement variation request
Lodging an unfair dismissal claim
Different dispute type
✓ Confirm you have a dismissal issue, not a flexible‑working dispute
Unfair Dismissal Application to the Fair Work Commission
Deadline or filing window
Your employer must give a written response within 21 days of receiving your request. If they do not, you can raise a dispute with the Fair Work Commission.
Before you submit
- 1All red placeholders filled in.
- 2All example purple text removed.
- 3All text colour changed to black.
- 4Employee name, position, employer address and date included.
- 5Requested change (hours, pattern, location) described clearly.
- 6Reason for the change stated and linked to an eligible category.
- 7Signed and dated the letter.
- 8A copy retained for your records.
- 9Delivered to the correct person (manager/HR) by email or hand‑delivery.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest template from fairwork.gov.au/templates.
- 2Enter your details in the red placeholders and delete the purple examples.
- 3Change the whole document to black text.
- 4Print or save as PDF, then sign and date the letter.
- 5Send the letter to your employer (email or hand‑delivery) and note the date sent.
- 6Keep a copy of the signed letter and proof of delivery.
Known limitations
- 1Covers only the National Employment Standards; more generous award or agreement provisions are not addressed.
- 2Not a legal advice document; it is a template only.
- 3Only usable if you have at least 12 months continuous service (including regular casuals).
- 4The template does not guarantee employer approval.
- 5The request must be in writing; verbal requests are not covered.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The template was last updated in August 2023. Use the latest version from fairwork.gov.au/templates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the template is the August 2023 version or newer from fairwork.gov.au/templates.
- Replace all red < > placeholders with your personal details.
- Delete the purple example text and ensure all remaining text is black.
- Verify you meet the 12‑month employment requirement.
- Check that you have selected at least one eligible reason for the request.
- Ensure the requested change and its reason are clearly explained.
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCForm name and agency confirmed from source.
- SRCEligibility criteria (12 months, eligible categories) confirmed from source.
- SRCRequirement for written request and explanation of change/reason confirmed from source.
- SRCEmployer must respond in writing within 21 days confirmed from source.
- SRCTemplate colour‑coding instructions (red placeholders, purple examples, change to black) confirmed from source.
- SRCUpdate date (August 2023) confirmed from source.
- SRCLinks to flexible‑working resources and My account portal confirmed from source.
- SRCDetails about casual employee section not fully describednot confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Leaving red < > placeholders in the final letter.
Forgetting to delete the purple example text.
Not changing the whole document to black, leaving coloured placeholders visible.
Using an outdated template version.
Mis‑identifying eligibility (e.g., casual employee without 12 months regular work).
Sending the letter to the wrong person or department.
Not stating both the specific change and the reason for it.
Source transparency
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