Sick leave is a normal part of working life. People fall ill, injuries happen, and employers have a duty to support staff while they recover.
Most employees are entirely genuine when they need time away from work, but there are occasions when claims are exaggerated, or even false. For a business, fraudulent sick leave can be costly, disruptive, and damaging to team morale.
This is where surveillance, carried out by a professional private investigator, can make a real difference.
The problem of false claims
When an employee claims to be unable to work due to illness or injury, employers are often left in a tricky position.
Challenging the claim without evidence risks accusations of unfair treatment, but ignoring suspicions can mean paying wages, overtime, or sick pay unnecessarily. In some cases, fraudulent claims can also lead to inflated compensation demands.
False claims don’t just affect the bottom line. They can also create resentment among colleagues, who may have to cover extra shifts or workloads, knowing that someone may not be as unwell as they claim. Over time, this damages trust and morale across the workforce.
How surveillance works
Surveillance is one of the most effective ways of gathering clear, unbiased evidence about what someone is really doing during their claimed sick leave.
A professional investigator will discreetly observe the subject, documenting their activities in a way that can be presented in court or disciplinary proceedings if necessary.
For example, someone claiming to have a serious back injury might be observed carrying heavy shopping bags or engaging in physical activities inconsistent with their reported condition. An employee signed off with stress may in fact be working elsewhere during the same period.
The role of the investigator is not to make assumptions but to collect verifiable evidence. Surveillance is carried out legally, professionally, and with discretion, ensuring the employer has reliable information on which to base decisions.
The benefits for employers
The most obvious benefit is financial. Detecting fraudulent claims saves money on sick pay, insurance premiums, and temporary staff cover. But there are other important advantages too:
- Legal protection: Evidence gathered by a professional PI is collected in a lawful manner, meaning it can be relied upon in tribunals or court cases.
- Clarity for decision-making: Employers can act confidently when they know the facts, whether that means dismissing a claim or confirming that an employee genuinely needs time off.
- Deterrence: The knowledge that fraudulent claims may be checked helps discourage abuse of the system in the first place.
- Fairness: Genuine cases are supported properly, while false ones are identified and dealt with, creating a more balanced workplace culture.
Final word
Fraudulent sick leave and exaggerated workplace injury claims can be damaging for any business, both financially and in terms of staff morale.
Surveillance by a professional private investigator offers employers a way to confirm the truth, backed by clear evidence that stands up to scrutiny.
Handled correctly, it allows employers to protect their interests without acting unfairly, ensuring that support is given where it is needed, and abuse is identified where it occurs.
Need to know more, or considering the services of a private investigator to carry out surveillance on your behalf? Call us on 01772 334700 to discuss your requirements.