Employee sickness can create genuine challenges for any business, and most employers fully support staff during periods of illness. However, concerns naturally arise when information suggests an employee may be abusing sick leave while working elsewhere. As part of the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI), we carry out every investigation professionally, lawfully and with complete discretion.
Concerns Raised by the Employer
A local business contacted Private Detective Leeds after receiving information that an employee who had been absent on long-term sick leave was regularly working for another company.
The employee had stated they were medically unable to perform their normal duties. Several colleagues had reported seeing them undertaking physically demanding work elsewhere.
Although the employer wanted to investigate the matter, they also recognised the importance of avoiding assumptions. Consequently, they instructed our investigators to establish the facts through discreet surveillance before taking any further action.
Planning the Investigation
Our investigation began by reviewing the information supplied by the client, including the employee’s usual working hours, the suspected secondary workplace and the dates when the individual was believed to be carrying out additional employment.
After assessing the available intelligence, our investigators developed a surveillance plan that focused on documenting the employee’s daily activities while remaining completely unobtrusive. Careful preparation ensured the operation could be completed efficiently without drawing unnecessary attention.
An Employee on Sick Leave Was Filmed Working for Another Company
During the surveillance operation, investigators observed the employee leaving their home early in the morning before travelling directly to commercial premises operated by another business.
Rather than attending a medical appointment or remaining at home to recover, the individual began carrying out work shortly after arriving.
Throughout the day, our investigators recorded the employee unloading equipment, lifting materials, moving stock and assisting with various workplace tasks. Furthermore, the employee remained on site for several hours before leaving at the end of the working day alongside other members of staff.
The same pattern was documented during additional surveillance periods. On each occasion, the employee travelled to the same workplace, completed a full working shift and returned home afterwards. These repeated observations established a consistent routine rather than an isolated incident.
Evidence to a Court Standard
Every stage of the investigation was carefully documented using time-stamped photographs, detailed surveillance logs and comprehensive investigator reports. As a result, the employer received Evidence to a Court Standard that accurately recorded the employee’s movements and activities throughout the investigation.
The evidence provided an objective record of events, allowing the employer to consider the findings alongside their internal procedures and legal advice before deciding how to proceed.
The Outcome
Following receipt of the surveillance report, the employer began a formal internal investigation supported by the documented evidence. The surveillance clearly demonstrated the employee carrying out physical work for another company the employer was able to address the matter.
Why Choose Private Detective Leeds?
Private Detective Leeds has been assisting employers, solicitors and private clients across Leeds and Yorkshire since 2007. Our experienced investigators provide discreet surveillance, employee investigations and workplace enquiries that produce Evidence to a Court Standard.
As proud members of the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI), we work to the highest professional standards while protecting our clients’ interests through accurate reporting and confidential service.
Contact Private Detective Leeds
We offer a Free 30-Minute Consultation to discuss your concerns confidentially and explain the most appropriate investigative approach.
Call Private Detective Leeds today on 0113 418 2123 to speak with one of our experienced investigators.
