A personal carer from Telford has been landed with a court bill exceeding £6,000 after being caught fraudulently claiming Statutory Sick Pay for a fabricated illness while secretly working and operating her own business.
The Details of the Deception
Claire Hopkinson, who worked as a privately employed personal carer, submitted false claims for Statutory Sick Pay between March 28 and October 28 last year. The Telford resident provided counterfeit FIT notes and sent messages via WhatsApp and email, asserting that severe hip pain prevented her from working.
She claimed the condition was so debilitating that she could not walk, drive, or carry out her duties as a personal assistant. Hopkinson went as far as to fabricate stories about hospital admissions and even a hip replacement operation.
Double Life Uncovered by Investigators
However, an investigation revealed a starkly different reality. During the exact period she claimed to be incapacitated, Hopkinson was actively working as a personal assistant for two other individuals through a private care company. Simultaneously, she was running her own body piercing business.
Her elaborate deception resulted in the fraudulent receipt of £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay. When interviewed under caution by officers from Telford & Wrekin Council, Hopkinson eventually confessed to the fraud.
Court Outcome and Official Response
Hopkinson pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at a court hearing on December 1 this year. The court ordered her to pay a fine and costs totalling £2,814. She must also repay the full amount of falsely claimed sick pay directly to the council, bringing her total financial penalty to over £6,000.
Following the hearing, Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and cabinet member for highways, housing and enforcement, stated: “This case demonstrates our firm commitment to tackling fraud and protecting public funds. Fraudulent claims not only undermine trust but also divert vital resources away from those who genuinely need support. We will continue to investigate and take action against anyone who seeks to exploit the system.”
The council is urging residents with any suspicions of fraud to come forward. Reports can be made confidentially via the fraud hotline on 01952 383 839 or online at the council's official website.
