A Metropolitan Police officer who relocated to Suffolk, over three hours away from his base in Croydon, south London, and subsequently sued the force for discrimination after being refused permission to work from home has lost his case at an employment tribunal.
Officer's Commute and Health Concerns
PC Paul Heard moved to Suffolk in September 2018, despite his role requiring him to provide policing in Croydon. His daily commute on public transport was approximately three hours each way, a six-hour round trip, which he described as 'exhausting' and 'fatiguing'. He claimed the journey impacted his physical and mental health, leading to tiredness, depression, and memory problems.
In June 2022, PC Heard was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He went on sick leave until November 2022, reporting that the long commute was a 'working condition stressor'. Despite being offered a phased return and later a role in Stratford—only an hour away—he continued to struggle with attendance.
Work From Home Requests
PC Heard formally requested to work from home, arguing that his health issues made the commute difficult. However, the Met Police refused, stating that as an operational police officer, he could not perform his duties in the community from Suffolk. The force noted that no roles were available that allowed working from home to the extent required, and that such adjustments would place additional burdens on colleagues.
The Met introduced a 'blended' working framework in June 2021, allowing some home working but emphasising that officers must spend time in the community and at Met buildings. PC Heard's requests were repeatedly denied, even after a new Hybrid Working policy was implemented.
Legal Claims and Tribunal Decision
PC Heard sued the Met for disability discrimination and indirect disability discrimination. At the employment tribunal, his legal team argued that the long commute was 'fatiguing, stressful, and anxiety-inducing', impacting his health. However, Employment Judge Nicholas Cox dismissed the claims, ruling that the Met had already made reasonable adjustments, including offering flexible hours and a phased return.
Judge Cox stated: 'I consider to be an essential element of the work of an Operational Police Officer working on the Duty to attend a [Met Police] location... for at least some Duty work.' He concluded that attending a Met location was an essential part of the role.
Outcome
The tribunal found that PC Heard's request to work exclusively from home was not a reasonable adjustment, given the operational requirements of his role. The officer, who remains serving, lost his case. The latest medical report indicates he is adhering to his return-to-work programme.
