Moonlighting Investigation
Unauthorised Second Jobs Can Put Your Business at Risk
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When an employee takes on additional work without approval or hides a second job while claiming sick leave, it’s more than just a policy breach, it’s a serious risk to your business. Moonlighting can lead to poor performance, conflicts of interest, burnout or even financial loss.
At UK Private Investigators, we conduct discreet and lawful moonlighting investigations for employers across the UK. Whether you’re dealing with suspected time theft, fraudulent sick pay or breaches of contract, our investigators uncover the facts you need to take action with confidence.
With over 28 years of experience and a trusted reputation among HR professionals, legal teams and business owners, we offer accurate, timely evidence gathered in full compliance with UK employment and data protection law.
What Is Moonlighting?
Moonlighting refers to an employee taking on a second job or income-generating activity without informing their main employer. In many cases, this second job is in breach of company policy, their employment contract or relevant working regulations.
Common examples include:
- Claiming sick leave while working elsewhere
- Running a business during contracted working hours
- Working for a competitor and breaching confidentiality
- Using company time or resources for personal profit
- Exhaustion or underperformance due to a second job
Unauthorised moonlighting can seriously impact your organisation’s productivity, trust and compliance. It may also expose your business to legal or reputational risk if sensitive information is misused.
Signs an Employee Might Be Moonlighting
While some cases are obvious, moonlighting often goes undetected for weeks or months. Some common signs include:
- Unexplained absences or repeated sick leave
- Declining performance or missed deadlines
- Unreachable during working hours
- Visible fatigue or disengagement
- Conflicts of interest or confidential leaks
- Social media posts about other work
If something doesn’t add up, a discreet moonlighting investigation can confirm whether your suspicions are justified.
Our Moonlighting Investigation Services
Every investigation begins with a confidential consultation. Once we understand your concerns, we tailor an approach that’s proportionate, legal and discreet. Our services include:
We discreetly observe the subject during sick leave or outside work hours to confirm whether they are engaged in another job or business. This can include photographic and video evidence admissible in internal or legal proceedings.
Employment Record and Company Checks
If an employee is working elsewhere, we can check for company directorships, linked businesses or secondary employment. This helps identify any undeclared income sources or conflicts of interest.
Online and Social Media Checks
We review publicly available online content, including social profiles, to uncover evidence of employment, business activities or undeclared roles.
Background and Lifestyle Reviews
We assess lifestyle patterns, sudden income changes or inconsistencies with declared earnings that may indicate additional income streams.
All findings are compiled into a clear, legally sound report that supports disciplinary or legal action where required.
Why Employers Use Moonlighting Investigators
Employers turn to us when:
- Internal HR investigations fail to get results
- Staff are suspected of abusing sick leave
- Second jobs violate contractual terms
- Performance drops for unexplained reasons
- There’s concern about data leaks or misuse of time
- Directors or senior staff appear conflicted
A moonlighting investigation gives you clarity, supports fair disciplinary action and protects the interests of your business.
Legal and Confidential
All investigations are carried out in compliance with UK law, including GDPR and the Data Protection Act. We only use lawful, proportionate methods to obtain evidence.
Your case will be handled with total discretion. We do not alert the employee and all findings are delivered in a secure, confidential report.
You will never be asked to act on guesswork – only verified facts.
Speak to a Corporate Investigator Today
If you suspect an employee is working elsewhere without permission or abusing their leave, speak to us. The sooner you act, the sooner you can protect your business.
UK Private Investigators offers fast, lawful and discreet moonlighting investigations across the UK. You’ll receive clear advice, accurate results and evidence you can rely on.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to investigate an employee for moonlighting?
Yes. As long as the investigation is conducted lawfully and proportionately, it is legal to investigate suspected breaches of contract or misconduct.
Can I use the evidence for a disciplinary hearing?
Yes. The reports we provide are formatted to be suitable for use in internal HR meetings and legal proceedings if needed.
How long does a moonlighting investigation take?
Some cases can be resolved within a few days, while others may take longer depending on the complexity. We will advise you during your consultation.
Will the employee find out they are being investigated?
Not from us. All investigations are carried out discreetly and confidentially. We never compromise your position or alert the subject.
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Contact us now for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation