Expert Absent Employee Investigations in the UK
March 5, 2024 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
Ideally, employee absenteeism would be nonexistent. However, in reality, businesses of all sizes face employees missing work. Legitimate causes include sickness, mental health challenges, or the loss of a loved one. But there are also instances where staff exploit absence policies and falsely claim sick or compassionate leave. When suspicions arise, it can be vital to initiate a discreet employee absenteeism investigation.
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What is Employee Absenteeism?
Absenteeism refers to the habitual or prolonged nonattendance at work without valid explanation. The ONS reported absenteeism at record lows in 2020 (due to remote work). More recently in 2023, the CIPD noted average absence of 7.8 days per employee — the highest in over a decade.
Legitimate Absence Causes
UK employment law allows workers leave for illness, bereavement, and caring responsibilities. Most absences are genuine, but some individuals may exploit these provisions — for instance, fabricating illness or falsely reporting a death in the family. Identifying the difference is key to protecting both staff welfare and the business.
A Compassionate Approach to Verification
Demanding documentation such as death certificates may appear intrusive. Instead, many employers choose a more discreet and compassionate solution: engaging a private investigator. Through lawful covert surveillance, investigators can confirm whether activities during leave match an employee’s stated reasons. If suspicions prove unfounded, no harm is done, and the employee remains unaware of the investigation.
Gathering Evidence of an Absent Employee
Unjustified absences can cause disruption and financial harm. Without proof, challenging dishonesty may become a word-against-word dispute. Evidence gathered by a private investigator — photos, video, logs of activities — provides a clear, unbiased record to support HR decisions.
Handling Confirmed Absenteeism
If dishonesty is proven, next steps must be handled carefully. Even with evidence, employees may challenge findings. Consult with HR professionals or independent consultants before any disciplinary action to ensure compliance with UK employment law and avoid claims of unfair dismissal.
Minimising Absenteeism
Prevention is often more effective than reaction. Strategies include:
- Clear communication of absence policies
- Offering flexible schedules
- Paid time for medical appointments
- Workplace wellbeing programmes
- Creating a transparent culture where investigations are known to occur if misuse is suspected
Our UK-based investigators provide discreet absenteeism checks, surveillance, and evidence gathering. We also serve legal documents when cases escalate to formal disputes. Request a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to investigate an employee’s absence in the UK?
Yes, provided investigations are conducted lawfully, proportionately, and in line with employment and data protection laws. Employers must act fairly and consult HR before taking disciplinary action.
Can a private investigator check if an employee is really sick?
Yes. Investigators may discreetly monitor an employee to confirm whether their activities align with claimed sickness or injury. Evidence can support HR decisions.
Will the employee know they are under investigation?
No. Professional investigations are covert. If no misconduct is found, the employee returns to work without being aware of the check.
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How to Handle an Employee Abusing Garden Leave
March 1, 2024 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
Garden leave in the UK, also referred to as 'gardening leave,' is a period when an employee is instructed not to report to work after submitting their resignation. Despite their absence from the workplace, they continue to receive their standard salary until the end of their notice.
Understanding Garden Leave in the UK
During garden leave, an employer may request that an employee refrain from coming into the workplace and instead remain idle at home, while still receiving pay per their contract terms. This can be enforced at any stage of their employment but is typically utilised once the decision for employment termination has been made, akin to a paid suspension.
The central purpose of garden leave is to protect the employer's proprietary information and client relationships. Keeping the employee away from their work environment diminishes the value of any confidential data they have over time. It also gives the successor a chance to build rapport with clients without the predecessor's input.
While on garden leave, employers may require the employee to:
- Surrender all company assets, such as laptops, mobile phones, and documents
- Cease communications with customers, suppliers, contractors or colleagues
- Remain on-call to respond to inquiries or aid in the transition of their responsibilities
- Resign from any associated positions such as trustees or directorships that they hold within or on behalf of the company
Garden Leave Stipulations
Employees on garden leave are instructed not to enter the workplace or perform their standard work tasks and are typically restricted from joining another employer during this period. They are entitled to their full salary and may be required to return company property, such as their company car. This period is legally enforceable if the employment contract includes a garden leave clause.
This type of leave is a strategy employers exercise in order to shield their interests, especially in sectors like banking and finance where employees have access to sensitive information. It hinders employees from taking current company intel to competitors and prevents potential misconduct from those discontent with their departure.
Contract Violation: Exploiting Garden Leave
A garden leave policy is often put in place with valid justification. Nonetheless, there are instances where employees might exploit this paid leave agreement. Let’s review some of these scenarios.
Seeking Alternate Employment
A prevalent misuse of garden leave is securing another job while still being compensated by the original employer. In some cases, especially when the notice period scales with tenure, this could mean extending the employer’s financial obligation over several months. It is imperative for employers to monitor compliance with the contract terms.
Retention of Company Property
An employee expected to return items like phones, laptops, or vehicles might neglect to do so during garden leave. Failing to return these, when requested, constitutes theft. Recouping these possessions can be challenging, more so if the employee has grievances.
Neglecting Agreed Remote Work
Employees instructed to perform duties remotely during their notice period might wrongfully treat this time as a paid holiday. This non-compliance with contract stipulations can amount to 'time theft'. Recovering lost wages in such cases is complicated, as withholding pay is unlawful.
Understanding Rights During Garden Leave
Employees on garden leave continue to receive their salary even though they do not report to work during this period. It's akin to enjoying the peace of your own garden while remaining a team member. For this arrangement to be in effect, the employment contract must remain active. An employer can maintain the status quo according to the contractual terms if the employee wishes to terminate their employment earlier than agreed.
Throughout the garden leave duration, employers are required to honour their contractual obligations, including salary and agreed benefits. The employee, in turn, while not physically at the workplace, is expected to uphold their loyalty to the company, refraining from any actions that could potentially harm the business.
Employment Restrictions While on Garden Leave
While on garden leave, you remain an employee of your company but are not engaged in daily work activities or present in the workplace. It resembles a hiatus, yet you continue to be affiliated with your employer.
The primary obligation during garden leave is to refrain from active employment, including starting a new job or competing against your former employer. This period allows your company to transition smoothly without concerns of you divulging confidential information or immediately joining a competitor.
Can Garden Leave be Declined?
Rejecting garden leave may not be straightforward if you intend to exit your role without serving the notice period stipulated in your contract. In such cases, an employer may enforce garden leave, under which you would stay on the payroll without actively working.
Should you object to garden leave, the employer retains the right to pursue legal action to ensure adherence to the leave clause, safeguarding the company from potential competitive threats or knowledge spill-over.
Handling Garden Leave Misconduct
If an employer suspects misuse of garden leave by an employee, the situation can be difficult. Withholding salary as a punitive measure is legally complex, and termination is not an option since the employee is already leaving. Deciding whether to take legal action hinges on the potential risks.
Legal measures might be justified if the employee's behaviour during garden leave poses a significant risk to the company. Evaluating the gravity of the situation and consulting legal counsel is advised to determine the appropriate course of action.
Upon deciding to place your employee on garden leave, you've acknowledged that it's less risky to remove them from the work environment during their notice period than to keep them on-site. In the event that they breach the terms of their garden leave, resist the temptation to simply write off the loss. It's important to consider the potential future consequences.
In situations where an employee on garden leave may be mishandling confidential company data, misusing assets, or otherwise violating the terms of their leave, you must obtain proof to recover their salary or claim damages. Employing a private investigator can provide strong, actionable evidence, helping you demonstrate contract violations in a legal setting. Our experienced team of investigators operate across the UK and beyond.
We offer free, no-pressure quotes for all work. Tell us about your case and see how we can help.
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Catfishing Explained: 15 Signs of Online Deception
January 30, 2024 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
What is Catfishing and How Can You Spot It?
If you have ever wondered whether someone online is really who they say they are, you are not alone. Catfishing is the deliberate use of a fake identity to build trust, affection, or influence, sometimes to manipulate victims emotionally or financially. This guide explains what catfishing is, why it happens, and the warning signs to look for.
Where Does the Term Come From?
The term gained popularity after the 2010 documentary Catfish, where a man learned he had been deceived by someone using a false persona. The metaphor refers to keeping others alert and second guessing, similar to the original story about catfish placed with cod to keep them moving.
Is Catfishing Illegal?
Catfishing itself is not always illegal, but actions around it often are. Using stolen photos, identity fraud, harassment, blackmail, or requesting explicit material can lead to criminal or civil consequences. If minors are involved, the risks escalate significantly. If you are affected, seek legal advice.
Why Do People Catfish?
Motivations vary. Some act from insecurity or loneliness. Others seek control, money, or revenge. It may involve strangers or people you already know. Dating apps and social platforms make it easier to create convincing profiles and maintain false stories.
15 Signs You Might Be Dealing with a Catfish
- Avoids voice or video calls for vague reasons and keeps delays going.
- Thin or suspicious social profiles with few friends or odd follower locations.
- Stories that do not add up about work, family, travel, or timelines.
- Photos that appear elsewhere when checked with reverse image search tools.
- Extreme highs or lows in life stories to gain sympathy or admiration.
- Only model-grade or very poor photos, nothing normal or recent.
- Same profile picture for ages with no seasonal or contextual changes.
- No candid selfies on request, or excuses about broken cameras.
- Refuses to meet or repeatedly cancels at short notice.
- Plans always collapse due to constant emergencies or travel.
- They ask a lot about you but share very little in return.
- Requests for money or gift cards, often framed as short-term help.
- Love bombing with intense feelings far too early.
- Your instincts say something is off and the doubts do not go away.
- You are considering outside help to verify who they are.
How to Verify Someone Safely
- Reverse image search their profile photos with Google Lens or TinEye.
- Check the footprint across platforms. Genuine lives leave traces over time.
- Ask for a live selfie holding a specific note or gesture, taken on request.
- Arrange a short video call at short notice, even two minutes is useful.
- Be cautious with documents. Never share passport scans or utility bills.
- Use professional checks when the stakes are high.
Professional identity checks: We can run lawful background checks and online identity verification, including social media OSINT, court record searches, people tracing, dating profile scans, and image provenance checks. This helps confirm whether someone is who they claim to be before you invest time, money, or emotion.
Need Help with a Catfish Situation?
At Private Investigators UK, we have helped many clients confirm suspicions and uncover the truth about people they met online. If you need clarity fast, we can discreetly verify identities, map digital footprints, and provide evidence you can rely on.
- Background checks for identity and history
- OSINT and social media investigations
- People tracing and address verification
- Surveillance if an in-person check is required
We offer free, no pressure consultations. Contact us with your situation and we will advise the most efficient next step.
FAQs
Is it safe to send money if I have video chatted with them?
It is still risky. Scammers can borrow locations, stage calls, or use accomplices. Avoid sending money to anyone you have not met and verified.
They sent me ID photos. Can I trust that?
ID images can be stolen or edited. Treat any document as unverified until checked by a professional.
Should I confront them?
If you feel unsafe, do not confront. Preserve evidence, tighten privacy settings, and consider a professional check first.
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When are People Most Likely to Cheat on their Partners?
December 8, 2023 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: October 7, 2025
Infidelity is one of the most damaging experiences in any relationship. In modern times, cheating is reported more openly, with countless studies exploring when and why people are unfaithful. Understanding the patterns and situations in which people are most likely to cheat can help you recognise warning signs and protect yourself emotionally.
Seasonal Peaks of Cheating
Research shows March is one of the most common months for divorce filings and increased infidelity. The weeks after Christmas are also notorious, with stress, festive discontent, and New Year resolutions all influencing behaviour.
Another spike is mid-February. 13th February, often called National Mistress Day or National Cheat Day, is a key date when unfaithful partners spend time with lovers before focusing on their spouse on Valentine’s Day.
Everyday Opportunities: School Run, Work, Gym
Not all cheating happens during holidays. Many affairs are carried out in the routine of daily life:
- Cheating on the school run – Some people use the school drop-off and pick-up time as cover for meeting lovers while their partner assumes they are occupied with childcare.
- At work or “working late” – The classic excuse. Offices, business trips, and after-work drinks create cover for discreet affairs.
- Lunch breaks and afternoons – With partners at work, afternoons are often used for secret meetings.
- “Going to the gym” – Some unfaithful partners claim to be exercising but are meeting someone else.
Cheating Abroad and Sex Tourism
Travel can create anonymity and opportunity. Affairs are common during holidays or business trips, with some destinations notorious for casual encounters and sex tourism. Locations such as Thailand, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Spain, and Eastern Europe are frequently cited in reports of infidelity abroad.
While away from home, people often feel freer from consequences, making foreign trips one of the riskiest times for infidelity.
Escorts, Massage Parlours, and Discreet Services
Many unfaithful men and women turn to escorts or discreet services. This can include:
- Escorts and paid companionship, often booked online or via agencies
- Massage parlours where extra services are offered discreetly
- Casual hook-up apps used alongside work or travel
These methods are risky, as payment records, phone logs, and surveillance can all uncover the truth.
Age and Life Stage Patterns
Studies show some predictable life stage patterns in cheating:
- Men are statistically more likely to cheat between the ages of 60 and 79.
- Women are more likely to cheat between the ages of 28 and 37.
- Infidelity is more common after major life stresses, such as moving house, a job promotion, or bereavement.
- The seven-year itch is a real risk period when long-term partners may stray.
What to Do If You Suspect Cheating
For many, there is nothing worse than the thought of a partner cheating. If you suspect infidelity, professional help can provide clarity. At Private Investigators UK, our team of experienced detectives specialise in surveillance and background checks.
We can discreetly confirm or disprove suspicions, providing either peace of mind or evidence to support your next steps. Our services are confidential and available across the UK. Contact us for a free consultation.
Glossary of Key Terms
- School run cheating – Using the school drop-off or pick-up as cover for affairs.
- National Mistress Day – 13th February, the day before Valentine’s, associated with infidelity.
- Sex tourism – Travel to destinations such as Thailand or the Netherlands for sexual activity.
- Seven-year itch – A common relationship milestone when long-term partners may be tempted to stray.
- Escorts and massage parlours – Paid services frequently linked with infidelity cases.
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