Panel finds office-only requirement placed council worker at a ‘substantial disadvantage’ compared with non-disabled colleagues
26 May 2026
A council worker with agoraphobia was discriminated against after she was denied hybrid working and required to attend the office full time, an employment tribunal has ruled.
The London South tribunal found that Marina Dudding, an allocations officer in Gravesham Borough Council’s housing service, had generalised anxiety disorder and moderate depressive episodes, which caused symptoms of agoraphobia.
The condition meant Dudding would sometimes experience palpitations and abdominal pain when leaving her home, the tribunal heard.
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Dudding told managers she wanted to return from sick leave but would only be able to do so on a hybrid basis.
Her request was refused and she was later dismissed on the grounds of ill-health capability after the council concluded there was “no sustainable resolution” that would allow her to return to work.
The tribunal upheld claims of unfair dismissal, failure to make reasonable adjustments, indirect disability discrimination and unfavourable treatment arising from the claimant’s disability.
A spokesperson for Gravesham Borough Council said: “We accept the findings of the tribunal, although we believe there are nuances to this case which are not reflected in those...
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