By Warwickshire Investigation Agency

04/15/2010 Over the last 12 months we have experienced a sharp increase in the number of businesses both large and small who have approached us suspecting that members of their staff who are absent due to alleged illness or injury but are in fact working elsewhere whilst claiming sickness benefit from the business. In a nutshell, the reports of staff 'moonlighting' whilst 'on the sick' has more than doubled and is now the leading reason for surveillance requests received by WIA with staff thefts coming a close second.
In addition to this activity being illegal and invariably a breach of contract, it is also costing businesses dearly in terms of sickness benefit payments not to mention the impact of being a staff member down, overtime payments, the hiring of temporary replacement staff and the impact on staff moral.
In order to invoke disciplinary action on those suspected of false absenteeism, you, as an employer will need to prove 'misconduct'. You need to obtain cast iron evidence that a breach of contract or illegal act is taking place. Such evidence gathering needs to be carefully planned and executed by professionals in the art of covert surveillance in order to secure the photographic and documentary evidence that you will require to proceed.It is no good being faced with an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal if the only evidence you have is a sickness register and an annonymous tip off.
At Warwickshire Investigation Agency our experts work alongside both large and small businesses, liaising with Managing Directors and HR Departments in particular to provide your business with the evidence that is required.
Covert surveillance is carried out by our fully trained professionals ensuring vital evidence is captured in the form of moving footage and/or still digital images that prove (or disprove) your suspicions and are presented together with a full report and supporting statements where required.
For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call us FREE on 01789 770980.