A UK woman who claimed that hip pain left her unable to walk, drive or work has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after admitting to fraudulently claiming Statutory Sick Pay while working for other clients and running her own body-piercing business. Claire Hopkinson, a resident of Telford, Shropshire, submitted false medical fitness certificates, WhatsApp messages and emails to support her claims that she could not perform her duties as a personal carer. However, an investigation by Telford & Wrekin Council uncovered evidence that she was working as a personal assistant for two other individuals through a private care company. Investigators also found that she had fabricated claims about hospital stays and undergoing a hip replacement operation. She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation on December 1, 2025.
How the sick pay fraud was uncovered
According to Telford & Wrekin Council, Hopkinson fraudulently claimed Statutory Sick Pay between March 28, 2024, and October 28, 2024, while employed as a privately employed personal carer.During this period, she submitted medical fitness certificates, commonly known as fit notes, alongside WhatsApp messages and emails claiming that hip pain prevented her from working.She alleged that she could not walk, drive or perform her duties as a personal assistant. However, investigators discovered that she was working for two other individuals through a private care company while also operating her own local body-piercing business.The investigation also uncovered false claims about hospital stays and a hip replacement operation. The council said the medical events she described had been fabricated.Hopkinson received £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay to which she was not entitled, according to the council’s investigation.
She fabricated hospital stays and a hip replacement operation
The investigation found that Hopkinson had gone beyond claiming that she was unable to work because of hip pain.According to the council, she fabricated accounts of hospital stays and claimed to have undergone a hip replacement operation. These claims were found to be false during the investigation.Her medical fitness certificates and electronic communications formed part of the evidence examined by investigators.The case ultimately led to her admitting to fraud by false representation. The council said the court highlighted the seriousness of the offence, including the extent of her attempts to cover up her actions.The authority has not published further details about the medical documents, the precise investigative methods used or how the false claims were independently verified.
How much money did she have to pay?
Hopkinson received £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay through the fraudulent claims. Following her guilty plea, the court ordered her to pay a fine and costs totalling £2,814.She was also required to repay the falsely claimed sick pay directly to Telford & Wrekin Council.The combined amount exceeds £6,000, according to the authority.The financial consequences therefore include both the repayment of the money she received and the additional fine and court costs. The council’s announcement does not confirm whether the full amount has already been repaid.
She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation
Hopkinson was interviewed under caution by council officers during the investigation and eventually admitted to the deception.On December 1, 2025, she pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at court.The case was subsequently publicised by Telford & Wrekin Council on December 16, 2025, as part of its efforts to highlight action against fraud involving public funds.The council did not report a prison sentence in its announcement. Instead, it detailed the financial orders imposed following her guilty plea and confirmed that she was repaying the sick pay directly to the authority.
Council says fraud diverts resources from those who need support
Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and cabinet member for highways, housing and enforcement, said the case demonstrated the authority’s commitment to tackling fraud and protecting public funds.He said fraudulent claims undermine trust and divert resources away from people who genuinely need support.The council also encouraged residents to report suspected fraud so that public money could be safeguarded and used to support those who need it.Hopkinson’s case formed part of the authority’s wider enforcement efforts to investigate suspected fraud and pursue action where wrongdoing is established.
What is Statutory Sick Pay in the UK?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment available to eligible employees who are unable to work because of illness. It is distinct from disability benefits and other forms of financial assistance.In Hopkinson’s case, the fraud involved claiming SSP while allegedly being unable to work as a personal carer, despite undertaking other paid work and operating a business.
