looking back at CCTV

mtjm

Question for you all.

Was talking to a friend of mine and he works for a small company, it has come to his attention that his boss looks back at the CCTV on a regular bases to see if his staff are up to no good, (note this isn't a retail place so no money would go missing nor anything would be stolen)


Is it illegal to be watching back to see if he/she is doing something he/she should/shouldn't be doing?


I find it bit uncomfortable when I heard this, thought CCTV is for securty reasons and not spying on it's staff


Thanks

Nody

He can look but not act unless all staff been informed about this if I remember correctly.

I had a case around it were a CCTV camera caught a certain person spending every nightshift doing things they should not but as the camera had not been set up for such a purpose (nor staff informed it could be used for it) we were not allowed to use it as evidence in a disciplinary hearing.

You could argue spying on your staff is one of the security issues that arises. For example, I installed a cctv system in a factory. Not for security reasons, but for productivity reasons. As long as the signs are up saying you're being recorded, the boss can use CCTV as he sees fit.

Daftendirekt

Found this page on Citizens' Info:

Citizens' Information wrote:

You have the right to privacy at your workplace, but there are legitimate circumstances where your privacy may be limited by your employer. Your employer is obliged to make you aware of any infringements of your right to privacy, for example, within your terms of employment or in your staff handbook. Any encroachment on your right to privacy must be for a legitimate and reasonable purpose, be clearly explained and respect data protection law.

For example, an employer is entitled to use closed circuit television (CCTV)in the workplace. However, there must be good reasons for its use, such as preventing theft or protecting staff from harm, and it cannot be placed in areas where a person would expect total privacy, such as changing rooms or toilets.

These reasons must be made clear to staff and it is best practice for employers to reach agreement with staff on the use of CCTV before installation. Once installed, CCTV can only be used for its stated purpose. For example, if it was officially installed to monitor theft, it cannot be used for monitoring attendance. In addition, your employer is obliged by data protection law to ensure the images taken are not inappropriately accessed, and that there is a system in place for you to access images on request.

Make of that what you will.

vikingdub

Daftendirekt wrote: »

Found this page on Citizens' Info:



Make of that what you will.

An employer must inform employees that they will be monitored, ideally there should be a clearly communicated monitoring policy in the employee handbook. The type of montitoring (camera, internet, email, telephone) must be described and the reason for the monitoring which must be reasonable.