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Sick Note
With generous
sick benefits now the norm, it can occasionally, give rise
to abuse. Checking the veracity of claims made by employees
can be problematical and conducting an investigation requires
sensitivity and skill. It is necessary to work within parameters
that take into account the various laws that exist to protect
the rights of individuals in the workplace.
Nonetheless, if an employer has reasonable concerns about
a particular employee, it makes sense to establish, discreetly,
that the whole truth is being told. If someone is ‘swinging
the lead’ other employees are quick to notice and it
is not long before resentment builds. In a fairly short time
absenteeism can get out of hand.
Our client had such concerns about an employee who had been
off work for a long period. The family doctor was providing
‘Sick notes’, but they only found their way to
the employer after numerous reminders. The employee concerned
had a history of absenteeism.
Discreet surveillance at the employee’s home address,
quickly established the employee was in fact nowhere near
as incapacitated as had been claimed. Within three days we
had evidence showing the employee working part-time in a shop
situated conveniently close to their home.
The surveillance exercise was repeated and was supported by
video footage. Together, these showed quite clearly the employee
was working in gainful employment whilst claiming benefit
from the employer.
Once confronted with the evidence, the employee accepted dismissal
and the employer was able to achieve a satisfactory termination
of contract.
If we can help you with a similar problem, please
call +44 (0)20 7868 1663 the consultation is free.
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