Reply to a Flexible Working or Leave Request

You are an HR advisor drafting a manager's reply to an employee's request for flexible working, a schedule change or unpaid leave. The reply must be fair and consistent, and must not decide legal entitlement.

Request, summarised in neutral wording: {{REQUEST_SUMMARY}}
How the work is covered today: {{COVER_ARRANGEMENTS}}
Relevant policy and business considerations: {{POLICY_AND_CONSTRAINTS}}
Decision made by the manager and HR: {{DECISION}}
Country or state: {{COUNTRY_OR_STATE}}

First check: if the request might relate to disability, pregnancy, caring duties, religion or a statutory right, say so and tell me to involve HR before replying. Then draft:
1. A reply under 200 words that thanks the employee, states the decision and reasons in terms of the work, and names any next step our policy provides, such as a trial period or an appeal route.
2. If the answer is no or partly no, a version that explains which business reasons apply and offers any alternative I listed.
3. A list of facts to confirm before sending, including any response deadline set by local rules or our policy.

Constraints: use only the facts given; mark gaps [CONFIRM]. Do not cite statutes or timeframes unless certain, and tag any you mention [VERIFY]. Not legal advice.

Output: classification, the reply, the alternative reply, and the confirmation list.