It could be that he needs to be at his home address between certain hours. But given how long it’s been, they could visit Essex or meet half way, his lack of interest or active working against her friends and family is just Stephen being a prick. His mental state at this point is in shreds. He hardly goes out, no friends, no work, no attention from girls, only fragments of family left, no life other than very poor engagement on his social media.
Hopefully this trip home for Jess is some sort of turning point and she remembers what life could be like. She needs to turn her phone off and run. I don’t think she’s perfect, no one is. I do think she’s very stupid but he’s significantly worse, and losing her would destroy him at this point so it’s a good outcome.