A Metropolitan Police officer has lost an employment tribunal case after suing the force for discrimination over his refusal to allow him to work from home following a move to Suffolk. PC Paul Heard relocated from South London to Suffolk, resulting in a six-hour daily round trip commute to his base in Croydon.
PC Heard claimed the journey was 'exhausting' and affected his physical and mental health. He formally requested remote working, but the Met refused, stating he could not effectively perform his community-facing duties from such a distance. The officer then brought a case for disability discrimination and indirect disability discrimination.
The tribunal heard that PC Heard began working for the Met in 2017, primarily in Croydon. By September 2018, he had moved to Suffolk and initially managed his commute effectively. Some home working was allowed in 2019 and increased during the pandemic. In June 2021, a 'blended' framework was introduced, allowing officers to work from home while also spending time in the community and at Met buildings.
Around that time, PC Heard developed health issues, including breathlessness, and was later diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He went on sick leave from June to November 2022. A phased return allowed him to work exclusively from home, but his subsequent request to continue remote working was denied. The Met said no roles were available that allowed such extensive home working, and the adjustments would place additional burdens on colleagues.
PC Heard was offered a role in Stratford, an hour's commute away, but he did not attend and filed a grievance. The grievance was resolved informally when he began attending work, but he went off sick again in July 2024. The Met offered a phased return in January 2025 and suggested moving a team closer to his home. However, his latest request for home working was rejected.
Employment Judge Nicholas Cox dismissed his claims, ruling that the Met had already made flexible adjustments. He noted that PC Heard's move to Suffolk was a personal choice, and the force had accommodated him where possible.
