Expert Employee Sickness Investigation Services

Uncovering the truth with discretion, expertise, and results

At iSpy Detectives, we provide specialist employee sickness investigation services delivered by our team of experienced professionals. With decades of combined experience in both the private and public sectors, our investigators bring unparalleled expertise to every case.

We understand that suspected sickness fraud can place significant strain on businesses, from lost productivity to increased workloads for colleagues covering absent staff. It’s a sensitive area, often complicated by employment law, and requires careful handling. That’s why we approach each investigation with discretion and professionalism, ensuring you have the evidence you need whilst protecting your organisation from unnecessary legal risk.

Whether you’re dealing with a single suspicious absence or a pattern of concerning behaviour across your workforce, our Workplace Investigations experts has the expertise to establish the facts and support you in reaching a fair and legally sound resolution.

Employee Absence & Sickness Investigations

Why Choose iSpy Detectives

iSpy stands apart from other investigation agencies through our:

Extensive Experience: Our investigators have backgrounds in law enforcement, HR compliance, and surveillance, bringing multidisciplinary expertise to every case.
Proven Track Record: We have successfully supported numerous employers in resolving suspected sickness fraud cases, helping them make informed and defensible decisions.
Bespoke Approach: We tailor our investigation methods to each case, ensuring the most effective and proportionate resolution.
Absolute Discretion: We understand the sensitive nature of employee investigations and maintain strict confidentiality throughout, protecting both your organisation and its employees.
Legal Compliance: All our investigations are conducted within the strict framework of UK employment and privacy law, ensuring all evidence obtained is admissible and can withstand scrutiny at tribunal.

Our Employee Sickness Investigation Services

When You Might Need This Service

Suspected Malingering – Establishing whether an employee claiming to be too unwell to work is, in fact, capable of attending, or is engaged in activities inconsistent with their stated condition.
Working Whilst on Sick Leave – Investigating whether an employee is undertaking paid work elsewhere, or running a business, whilst claiming sick pay from your organisation.
Exaggerated Injury Claims – Examining cases where an employee’s reported symptoms or limitations appear inconsistent with their observed activities, particularly relevant in cases involving workplace injury claims.
Persistent or Patterned Absence – Investigating recurring absence patterns, such as sickness consistently falling around weekends, bank holidays, or before and after annual leave.
Long-Term Sickness Absence Reviews – Providing objective evidence to support fair and informed decision-making in long-term absence cases, particularly where a return to work is in question.
Sickness Absence Coinciding with Other Employment – Establishing whether an employee is working a second job or freelancing during a period of certified sickness absence.
Fraudulent Medical Documentation – Investigating concerns around the legitimacy of sick notes or medical evidence submitted in support of an absence.
Absence Linked to Disciplinary or Grievance Proceedings – Examining cases where sickness absence appears to coincide suspiciously with ongoing internal disciplinary or grievance matters.
Compensation and Insurance-Related Absence – Investigating absences connected to personal injury or income protection claims, where surveillance evidence may support or challenge the claim.
Suspected Absence Culture Abuse – Identifying wider patterns of absenteeism within a team or department that may indicate a broader cultural issue requiring intervention.

Encouraged by professional law firms and ICO (Information Commissioners Office)

In a recent article in People Management, Tina Chander from law firm Wright Hassall (now part of HCR) states that according to the ICO, surveillance and using a professional private investigator is a great way to gather evidence, provided it is targeted, at a distance, and non-intrusive.

Workplace investigations must use all the skills and assets at their disposal to protect their business. Employing external partners with a special set of skills like our team, ensures no laws are breached and the disired result is achieved.

Side Hustle Working When Sick Investigations

Our Investigation Process

Comprehensive and Methodical Approach

Our team iSpy, follows a structured approach to employee sickness investigations that ensures thoroughness and compliance with employment law:

Initial Consultation and Case Assessment

We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your concerns, the background to the case, and your objectives. Our experts will assess whether an investigation is appropriate and advise on the most effective approach.

Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation

Each case receives a bespoke investigation plan outlining methods, resources, and timelines. We assign investigators with the most relevant expertise to your specific situation.

Discreet Surveillance

Where appropriate, we deploy experienced surveillance teams to observe and document an employee’s activities during their period of sickness absence, always operating within the bounds of UK law and the Human Rights Act.

Evidence Gathering and Documentation

Our investigators meticulously collect and document evidence, including photographic and video footage, ensuring the chain of custody is maintained at all times for legal admissibility.

Background and Open-Source Research

We conduct thorough research into publicly available information, including social media activity, business registrations, and other open-source intelligence that may support or contradict an employee’s stated condition.

Witness Interviews and Statements

When appropriate, we conduct professional interviews with witnesses, documenting statements according to best practices for use in internal or tribunal proceedings.

Comprehensive Report Preparation

Upon completion, you’ll receive a detailed report documenting our findings, evidence collected, and recommended next steps. Our reports are prepared to professional standards and are suitable for use in disciplinary hearings or employment tribunal proceedings.

Expert Testimony

If your case proceeds to tribunal, our investigators can provide expert testimony based on their findings and professional expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to investigate an employee's sickness absence?

Yes, provided the investigation is proportionate, justified, and conducted in accordance with UK law, including the Human Rights Act and data protection legislation. We advise on and conduct all investigations within these legal boundaries.

How much do your employee sickness investigation services cost?

Our fees are based on the complexity of the case, resources required, and estimated timeframe. Following the initial consultation, we provide a transparent cost estimate before any work begins.

How long do these investigations typically take?

The duration varies depending on the nature of the case and the absence pattern involved. Some cases require only a few days of surveillance, whilst others, particularly those involving patterned absence, may take longer to build a complete picture. We provide realistic timeframes during our initial consultation.

Will the employee know they're being investigated?

Discretion is paramount in our work. Our surveillance and research methods are designed to be unobtrusive, ensuring the employee’s day-to-day behaviour is observed naturally and without their knowledge.

Do you work with HR teams and employment solicitors?

We recommend seeking advice from your HR team or employment solicitor to ensure an investigation is a proportionate and justified step in your specific circumstances. We’re happy to work alongside your existing advisers throughout the process.