WFH denial: British court allows lawsuits

London: A UK tribunal has ruled that a person suffering from agoraphobia can sue an employer if denied the option to work from home, saying forcing such employees to attend office may amount to disability discrimination under UK employment law.

The ruling followed the case of Marina Dudding, a housing officer with Gravesham Borough Council in Kent, who sued the council for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal after being denied permission to work remotely for two days a week following sick leave. The tribunal ruled that the council must compensate her.

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that creates an intense fear of crowded spaces from which a person feels unable to escape.

The London South Employment Tribunal heard that Dudding had worked for Gravesham Borough Council since September 2000. Her lawyer said her Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Moderate Depressive Episode caused symptoms of agoraphobia, making it difficult for her to leave home.

Travelling to work allegedly caused anxiety, palpitations and abdominal pain, while interactions at the office increased her stress levels. Her lawyer said working from home helped Dudding manage stress better, improve focus and continue performing her professional responsibilities more effectively during treatment and recovery.