A Metropolitan Police firearms officer has been dismissed for gross misconduct after it was discovered he was running a mobile pizza business while on long-term sick leave. The officer, Sergeant Matt Skelt, who had served for 34 years, promoted his venture on social media, even on days he had reported himself unwell to the force.
Key takeaways
- A firearms officer with 34 years of service was sacked for gross misconduct.
- He operated and promoted a pizza business while on extended sick leave.
- Social media posts showed him working on days he claimed to be sick.
- The officer stated he was preparing for retirement and found himself in a difficult position.
Dismissal for gross misconduct
Sergeant Matt Skelt, a firearms officer with the Metropolitan Police, has been sacked following a disciplinary hearing. The panel found him guilty of gross misconduct after evidence emerged that he was actively involved in running and promoting his mobile pizza business while on long-term sick leave. Skelt had been with the force for 34 years and cited ongoing health issues as the reason for his absence.
Working while claiming sickness
The tribunal heard that Skelt had previously received permission to run his pizza firm. However, this authorisation was later rescinded in August 2025, with the Met Police stating the business interest was incompatible with his phased return to work and recovery. Despite this, social media activity showed Skelt working at his pizza business on numerous days throughout 2025 and into January of the current year, when he had reported himself absent due to sickness.
Social media evidence
Online posts revealed Skelt attending events and selling pizzas on multiple occasions in September. Further posts showed him working two days a week outside a pub, attending a birthday party, and promoting his business at a Christmas market. The panel concluded that Skelt was "well enough to work but not well enough to serve the public in any capacity."
Officer’s defence
Skelt argued that the August letter rescinding his business authorisation was not a binding order. He claimed he was preparing for his impending retirement and felt he was in an "impossible position" between following orders and providing for himself post-service. He expressed that the prospect of being sacked for gross misconduct was difficult to accept and that he did not wish to challenge the Metropolitan Police’s authority.
Panel’s decision
Despite Skelt’s defence, the disciplinary panel ruled that he should have withdrawn from his public-facing role with the pizza company once his business interest authorisation was rescinded. His actions were deemed a serious breach of conduct, leading to his dismissal from the force.
