Recent tribunal decisions involving Met Police officers highlight the legal and reputational risks of unauthorised secondary employment
4 March 2026
With the cost of living rising and insecurity in the jobs market, more people are taking on side hustles to increase their income. Almost one in five people in the UK have an additional job, according to Scottish Widows research. However, those taking on secondary employment can create challenges for HR, particularly if staff are conducting extra work while they are unable to perform their primary role.
This issue came to the fore at two recent tribunal hearings. One involved Metropolitan Police officer Stanley Kennett who was sacked for moonlighting as a barista at a bike shop.
Kennett had attempted to register his work as a business interest while suspended from duty in April 2024 but his request was refused. Despite this, he continued running and promoting the company on social media for several months while still receiving his full salary.
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Commander Andy Brittain, who chaired the misconduct hearing panel, said it was “not simply a volunteering opportunity” but a “full-blown and expanding business”. The decision to dismiss Kennett without notice was upheld.
Jeremy Coy, senior employment associate at law firm Russell-Cooke, explains that Kennett...
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