Fraudster slammed with over £6,000 bill for sick pay scam

A Telford resident who falsely claimed she was too ill to work has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after Telford & Wrekin Council successfully prosecuted her for fraud.

Telford resident Claire Hopkinson, 43, of St. Georges, admitted to fraudulently claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) as a privately employed personal carer between 28 March 2024 and 28 October 2024.

Hopkinson submitted false ‘FIT notes’ (medical certificates confirming the need for time off due to illness) along with WhatsApp messages and emails claiming she was unable to work due to severe hip pain. She alleged she could not walk, drive, or perform her duties as a personal assistant.

However, investigators uncovered compelling evidence that during this exact period, Hopkinson was, in fact, fully capable of working. The investigation revealed she was actively employed as a personal assistant for two other individuals through a private care company and, simultaneously, running her own local body piercing business.

The extent of the deception was further highlighted by evidence showing that Hopkinson fabricated details of her condition, including inventing hospital stays and falsely claiming to have undergone a hip replacement operation—all of which were proven to be entirely untrue. In total, she received £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay to which she was not entitled.

Hopkinson was interviewed under caution by Council officers and eventually admitted to the deception. On 1 December 2025, she pleaded guilty at court to Fraud by False Representation.

The court highlighted the seriousness of the offence, noting the elaborate attempts made by Hopkinson to cover up her fraudulent actions. She was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £2,814. She is also legally obliged to repay the full falsely claimed sick pay of £3,261.65 directly to Telford & Wrekin Council, meaning the total financial penalty imposed on her amounts to over £6,000.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, addressed the outcome of the case, reinforcing the Council’s zero-tolerance stance on fraud.

“This case demonstrates our firm commitment to tackling fraud and protecting public funds,” he said. “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.”

Councillor Overton added that cracking down on fraud is a crucial component of the Council’s commitment to community welfare: “Telford & Wrekin Council is taking firm action to protect its communities and public resources this winter. Alongside our Winter of Action campaign, which tackles anti-social behaviour, retail crime, and safety in town centres, we’re continuing to crack down on fraud to ensure support reaches those who genuinely need it. Both initiatives reflect our zero-tolerance approach to wrongdoing and our commitment to keeping Telford and Wrekin safe, fair, and welcoming for everyone.”

Telford & Wrekin Council encourages all residents to report any suspicions of fraud so that public money can be safeguarded and used to support those who need it most. Reports can be made confidentially through the Council’s Fraud Hotline on 01952 383 839 or by emailing investigations@telford.gov.uk. Alternatively, residents can submit information online via the Council’s website at www.telford.gov.uk/fraud.