Long-Term Sick Pay Fraud: The Hidden Cost to UK Businesses
Long-term sick leave is a vital workplace right, offering employees the support they need during periods of genuine illness or injury. However, when this system is abused, it places a significant financial and operational burden on employers, particularly SMEs already managing tight budgets and lean teams.
Sick pay fraud is a growing concern in the UK. Whether it’s employees exaggerating injuries, delaying their return to work, or claiming to be unfit while working another job, the consequences can be severe. We help businesses detect and respond to long-term sick leave fraud with discreet, professional investigations.
What Is Long-Term Sick Pay Fraud?
Sick pay fraud occurs when an employee claims to be unfit for work but is in fact able to carry out duties, or worse, is engaged in alternative employment during their paid absence. Common types of abuse include:
- Exaggerating or faking medical conditions
- Failing to disclose full recovery
- Moonlighting in another role while on leave
- Using sick leave to start a personal business or project
This type of fraud is not only unethical, it is a serious breach of contract that may result in dismissal, legal action, or financial recovery.
The True Cost of Sick Pay Abuse
The cost of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) may seem manageable at £116.75 per week (as of 2024), but the true cost to employers is much higher when you consider:
- Paying for temporary cover or overtime
- Reduced productivity and output
- HR and management time spent on follow-ups
- Disruption to teams and project deadlines
- Increased insurance or legal costs if a dispute arises
For businesses offering enhanced sick pay, the financial impact is even greater. Over time, repeated abuse can lead to staff resentment, low morale, and reputational damage.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
- Delayed or vague medical certificates
- Frequent extensions of sick leave with little medical explanation
- Social media activity showing physical activity or travel
- Employee unreachable during work hours
- Tips from colleagues about outside employment
If these signs are familiar, it may be time to take a closer look.
How We Can Help
We offer specialist sick pay fraud investigations designed to uncover the truth, protect your business, and support informed HR decisions. Our services include:
- Covert Surveillance – To verify activity and mobility
- Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) – Analysing online behaviour and online postings linking to the individual, possibly having a second employment
- Background Checks – To uncover any information linking to the subject
- HR Support & Reporting – Evidence-based insights that support disciplinary action or legal proceedings
All our investigations are fully compliant with UK employment law, Data Protection, and GDPR standards.
Protecting Your Business and Team
Most employees are honest and take sick leave only when needed. However, ignoring fraud when it arises sends the wrong message to your team and exposes your business to unnecessary loss. Investigating long-term sick leave abuse not only protects your budget, but it also safeguards fairness across your workforce.
Free 30-Minute Consultation
Concerned about a suspicious long-term sickness claim?
📞 Call us on 0800 334 5440 to book your FREE 30-minute confidential consultation. Our team will listen, advise, and help you determine the right course of action.
You can also get in touch via our website to request a private call-back at a time that suits you.
