In the case of Mr S Knox v Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, PC Stephen Knox complained after a colleague called him ‘Dolly Parton’ because he only worked nine to five. The officer covered his desk in A4-sized photographs of the US country singer and continually whistled her hit song at their station.
PC Knox claimed his friend, identified only as PC Rylands, teased him about his hours. An employment tribunal report said: “It struck [PC Rylands] as remarkable that PC Knox had been able to secure a nine to five shift pattern within the Target Team.”
PC Knox had requested a specific rota to suit his childcare needs and he also had to provide daily care for his disabled mother following the death of his father. PC Knox later moved to Huyton police station, but clashed with senior officers over this hours. PC Knox claimed that he was ‘grilled’ about his personal circumstances when he said he was unable to work two early shifts. PC Knox claimed that he was told that he should “just get on with it.”
PC Knox was later signed off work after being diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. During his period of leave, PC Knox made a series of allegations relating to discrimination. he said he received an ‘intimidating’ email threatening disciplinary procedures if he failed to attend his scheduled return to work date.
The tribunal panel concluded that the email amounted to disability harassment because it made him ‘feel fearful for the future of his employment and severely distressed’.
PC Knox was awarded £12,080 for his successful claims of victimisation and disability harassment.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
