Claimed Back Pain, Was Filmed Doing Renovation Work – and Was Fired

A worker in Spain was fired after a private investigator filmed her carrying water containers, cleaning a balcony, and helping paint a house facade while on sick leave for back pain. The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands upheld the dismissal but ruled she should receive €1,279.99 for 24 days of unused vacation.

A worker in Spain was fired after a private investigator documented her performing physical tasks while on sick leave. The employee, who held an administrative position at a gardening company, went on sick leave in January 2024 after being diagnosed with lumbosacral radiculopathy (sciatica). The company hired a private investigator who filmed her from late July to late August 2024 carrying water containers, cleaning a balcony, and assisting in painting a house facade. The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands upheld the dismissal, rejecting the worker's claim that more than 60 days had passed since the acts. However, it ruled that she is entitled to €1,279.99 for 24 days of unused vacation.

Claimed Back Pain, Was Filmed Doing Renovation Work – and Was Fired