An employer can refuse a statutory request for flexible working if the refusal is based on one or more specific grounds. The list of grounds for refusal; as set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996.

The specified grounds for refusal are:

• the burden of additional costs;
• a detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand;
• an inability to reorganise work among existing staff or recruit additional staff;
• a detrimental impact on quality or performance;
• insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work;
• planned structural changes; or
• such other grounds as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.