Management Consulting
PWC
Full Credential Description
In the healthcare sector, particularly within the NHS, fraud has emerged as a significant concern, with over 2,500 cases reported in the 2023/24 period, highlighting a vulnerability of approximately £1.3 billion. A notable issue is staff working elsewhere while on sick leave, which saw a 33% increase in referrals from 2022/23 to 2023/24. This situation arises from the high demand for healthcare staff and the more generous sickness pay compared to the private sector, creating opportunities for exploitation. To combat this, organizations are encouraged to implement robust secondary working policies that clearly outline staff responsibilities regarding the declaration of secondary employment. Participation in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is also essential, allowing for data matching to identify potential cases of fraudulent sick leave. A specific case involved a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant who was sentenced to 15 months in prison for fraudulently claiming sick leave while working a