Met Police office attendance: ‘No option but to resign’
As the ballot for strike action continues , members explain the impact of the new attendance policy particularly on women and the disabled.
Following the Metropolitan Police’s announcement of a new hybrid working policy, PCS members responded to our survey on how the forced return to offices would affect them.
Members responded about the financial impact and how it would affect productivity, and the impact on those with disabilities and caring responsibilities, particularly women.
“motherhood penalty”
One member told us: “Personally I’m extremely stressed about the idea of them abolishing blended working. I just couldn’t function the logistics of my life, childcare and I couldn’t afford the additional travel costs. I’ve been in the Met 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes, but this one has caused me untold anxiety”.
Another added: “The reversal of the flexible/remote working practices greatly reinforce the sexist ‘motherhood penalty’. Going needlessly into the office more often will mean I will have to reduce my hours to get home in time to pick up my children. This stunts my career growth, I will earn less and will pay more for travel. A sexist workforce is something the commissioner claims to want to change.”
Disability, caring and the cost of living
A member with a disability as well as caring responsibilities explains: “I am extremely anxious and upset about this change. Under existing arrangements, I have been able to manage my own mental health struggles and attend a fitness class in my lunch break to help with my condition. Now this will be taken away and I am concerned about the negative impact this will have on me. Sadly, all the hard work I have been doing at home - working more with no chat breaks getting a cup of tea or bumping into people at the copier - has been a one-way gift to the Met. Also, I worry about my mum who has a life-limiting condition and knowing I’m round the corner is such a relief to her.”
Another member feels the change will force them out of their job: “As agreed with occupational health, I currently work three days in the office one week and the following week I work from home. This enables me to manage my condition as the fatigue and joint pain is a nightmare. After my three days in the office and my journey home it takes me ages to recover. If I had to come into the office every week for three days, I would have no option but to resign. Seems a shame after 24 years’ service.”
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