Under law, all employees now have the right to request flexible working. This means you don’t have to have child care issues to approach your employer about flexible start times or working from home. Your employer must treat your request reasonably, which includes meeting with you to discuss the issue and offer an appeal process. You must have been employed for 26 weeks to have the statutory right to make such a request and you may only make one such request every 12 months.
Flexible working is usually sought by parents who have to take children to school or nursery as these times are often not compatible with the usual working day. There are other reasons that might compel you to seek flexible hours but you should consider carefully how the hours you want will fit with your current role and duties.
In reality, some employers will be more inclined to consider your request than others. A lot depends on the nature of your job as well as your perceived value to the employer. If they don’t want to lose you, they’ll be more inclined to work with you to find a solution.