A Metropolitan Police officer who relocated three hours away from his base has lost a discrimination claim after being denied the right to work from home. PC Paul Heard moved from South London to Suffolk, resulting in a six-hour daily round trip commute to his Croydon police station. He argued the journey was 'exhausting' and harmful to his health, but the employment tribunal ruled against him, stating his role required him to be present in the community.
Background of the Case
PC Heard began working for the Met in 2017, stationed primarily in Croydon. His duties involved liaising with local organisations and providing policing services within the community. In September 2018, he moved to Suffolk, which required a three-hour commute each way via public transport. Initially, he managed the commute effectively, but over time, it became a strain.
Health Issues and Flexible Working Requests
In mid-2021, PC Heard began experiencing health problems, including breathlessness. He switched to compressed hours—working four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days—citing the long commute. In June 2022, he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, with symptoms including high blood pressure, tiredness, depression, and memory problems. He went on sick leave until November 2022.
A phased return to work began in autumn 2022, initially with one day per week in the office. However, an 'agile working' arrangement allowed him to work exclusively from home. A psychological assessment in May 2023 noted that the three-hour commute was a 'working condition stressor' but was not an issue as he worked from home. The report recommended continued agile working.
The Met's Refusal and Tribunal Decision
Despite the recommendation, the Met denied PC Heard's request to work from home permanently, stating no roles were available that allowed such extensive remote work without public contact. The force argued that his role was operational and public-facing, and that accommodating his request would place additional burdens on colleagues and hinder operational priorities.
PC Heard was offered a position in Stratford, reducing his commute to one hour, but he still failed to attend work. He filed a grievance in November 2023, which was informally resolved, but he restarted it in July 2024 and went on sick leave again. Another phased return was planned for January 2025, with a suggestion to move a team closer to his home.
At the tribunal, PC Heard claimed disability discrimination, arguing the long commute was 'fatiguing, stressful, and anxiety-inducing,' impacting his physical and mental health. However, Employment Judge Nicholas Cox dismissed the claims, noting the Met had already made flexible adjustments. Judge Cox stated that attending a Met location for at least some duty work was an essential element of an operational police officer's role.
Outcome
The tribunal ruled against PC Heard, who remains a serving officer. The latest medical report indicates he is adhering to his return-to-work programme. The case highlights the challenges of balancing remote work requests with operational requirements in policing.
