Workers avoiding leave are likely candidates for white-collar fraud according to Martin Cunningham Solicitors.
“The model employee who comes in early and rarely takes holidays may not be as dedicated as you may think. In fact they’re the most likely candidate for committing fraud in the workplace.
“Any business that seriously wants to protect itself from fraud should insist all employees take at least 7 days of consecutive holiday a year,” said Martin Cunningham a fraud and corruption solicitor.
Employee fraudsters may shy away from taking leave for fear that their activities will be discovered in their absence. Cunningham also advises businesses to be wary of early-birds.
“If a member of staff invariably arrives very early, it’s a good idea to ask yourself why. My experience is that frauds have escaped discovery for six months or more and involve purchases like car hire, hotels, meals and computer equipment.
“As long as they are intercepting the invoices, reminders and threatening letters, those unpaid bills could pass through the court before the company knows anything about it,” warns Cunningham.
Fraudulent activity may range from abuse of payroll and the creation of fake invoices.
Cunningham advises employers to show extra vigilance. Changing existing postal and financial routines at regular intervals can help deter and prevent fraudsters from taking action.
