Location: say where the work happens

Why it matters

“Hybrid” can mean one day a month or four days a week. “Remote” can mean anywhere in the world, or anywhere within an hour of Manchester. People apply on a guess, find out at interview, and pull out. The employer has lost a slot and the candidate has lost a week.

For employers

Say where the job is and how often people need to be there. “Two days a week in our Leeds office” is clear. “Hybrid, London” isn’t, because it doesn’t say how often.

For remote roles, name the countries you can employ people in. That’s usually about where you can run payroll, so say that. Never write a nationality: a job can be “remote within the UK”, but not “for British candidates”.

If the days might change, say so. “Two days now, possibly three from next year” is honest. Finding out after starting is not.

For candidates

Check you can do the travel and the days before you apply. If you can’t, and you’d only take the job if the employer bends, it’s kinder to both sides to skip it.

There’s one important exception. If you need a different pattern because of a disability or a health condition, apply and ask for it. That’s a reasonable adjustment, and employers have a legal duty to consider it. You can ask at any stage: in your application, after an offer, or once you’ve started.

Questions

What about caring responsibilities? If the days don’t work because of caring, you can still ask about flexible working. From day one of employment, you have the right to make a flexible working request. Be open about it early so both sides know where they stand.

Do I have to say why I need an adjustment? You need to say what you need. You don’t have to share your diagnosis or medical details.