A woman who was working two full-time jobs has been prosecuted for ‘polygamous working’
Sally Bodum appeared in Willesden Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to fraud
A former employee of Barnet Council has been prosecuted for doing more than one full-time job simultaneously. An investigation showed that the woman was working for two London councils full-time.
Sally Bodum, who was a Business Support Officer in Barnet Council’s Family Services department, was flagged by a National Fraud Initiative exercise in July 2024. They found that she was also employed full-time by Croydon Council in its Housing department.
Croydon Council had verified her employment which dated back to July 2016. Barnet’s records indicated that she first worked four days per week, but this increased to full-time hours in March 2024. Both her council contracts forbid undeclared additional employment that could disrupt her duties.
Bodum appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on 30 October 2025, where she pleaded guilty to one count of Fraud by false representations, and one count of Fraud by failing to disclose.
On 16 December 2025, the court sentenced her to 12 months in prison, suspended for a period of two years. She also is required to perform unpaid work, complete rehabilitation activity requirements and to pay compensation to Barnet Council in the sum of £10,000.
Councillor Barry Rawlings, Barnet Council Leader, said: “The council has zero tolerance for dishonesty and fraudulent behaviour, and we’re glad we were able to uncover Bodom’s deceitful actions and bring her to justice.
“We hope this prosecution will really highlight the seriousness of this modern-day fraud of polygamous working and will be a strong deterrent to anyone who thinks they can get away with it.”
Both Barnet and Croydon councils did raise performance concerns with Bodum such as her lack of availability, slow report writing and lack of physical presence in the workplace. She admitted to being employed by both councils in a disciplinary meeting at Croydon.
She was paid in excess of £60,000 in salary throughout her time at Barnet Council, whilst working in both councils.
Josh Simons, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office with responsibility for the Public Sector Fraud Authority, said: “This case sends a strong message to fraudsters – we have the tools to find you and hold you to account.
“My team in the Public Sector Fraud Authority is working with partners across government, through our cutting-edge National Fraud Initiative, to ensure there are no hiding places for those who seek to defraud hard-working taxpayers.”