Hybrid working and pressure on household budgets are being blamed for a growing number of employees exploiting sick leave, prompting a surge in demand for covert workplace investigations.

London, 29-Aug-2026 — iSpy Detectives, a UK-wide private investigation agency, has seena marked increase in enquiries from employers seeking to establish whether staff on long-term or repeated sick leave are genuinely unwell. The agency's Workplace Investigations division reports that sickness fraud enquiries have become one of its fastest-growing case types over the past year.

Sickness fraud covers a wide range of behaviour, from employees exaggerating the severity of an injury or illness to those working a second job, running a business, or undertaking physically demanding activities while signed off as unfit for work. In more serious cases, employees have been found to be entirely fit and simply exploiting a lack of oversight.

Industry commentators point to several drivers behind the trend. The shift to hybrid and remote working has made it harder for line managers to notice inconsistencies in an employee's behaviour, while the ongoing cost of living pressures have left some staff tempted to take on paid side work during periods of sick leave rather than disclose a second income. A workplace culture that has become more reluctant to challenge sickness absence, for fear of appearing insensitive to genuine mental health or wellbeing concerns, has also made it easier for a small minority to abuse the system undetected.

"Employers are in an increasingly difficult position," said Paul Evans, senior investigator at iSpy Detectives. "They want to support staff who are
genuinely unwell, but they also have a duty to their business and their honest employees to address abuse when there's a reasonable basis for suspicion.
Covert, legally compliant surveillance gives HR teams the clear, admissible evidence they need to act with confidence, rather than relying on gut instinct alone."

iSpy Detectives' sickness fraud investigations are carried out by trained, licensed investigators and are designed to withstand scrutiny at internal disciplinary hearings and employment tribunals. Evidence is gathered discreetly and in full compliance with the Human Rights Act, GDPR and RIPA guidance, and is presented in a clear, court-ready format.

The agency is urging HR teams and business owners who suspect sickness fraud within their organisation to seek professional advice before taking action, rather than confronting an employee directly, which can compromise both the evidence and the employer's legal position.

For a confidential consultation about a suspected sickness fraud case, contact iSpy Detectives today.

About iSpy Detectives

iSpy Detectives is a UK-wide private investigation agency specialising in workplace and corporate investigations for employers, HR teams
and legal advisors. All investigations are carried out by licensed, experienced investigators in full compliance with UK law, including the Human Rights Act, GDPR and RIPA guidance.

Media contact:

Paul Evans
iSpy Detectives
[email protected]
0800 002 9153
https://i-spydetectives.co.uk/