On Monday one of my Co-workers - who I admit I don't like - went off on one and admitted that she had been reading peoples emails (logging on to their systems) and sending herself copies of the emails. She also stated that she has been secretly recording conversations that take place in the office when she isn't there.
I have complained to by boss but he hasn't even disipline her - claiming that I don't actually have the right to be annoyed about it and they don't actually know if she has been recording conversations. They had all the other staff in the office - and told us that we can no longer send personal email to each other - granted me and another girl did say some rotten stuff about her in our email - but only because we don't like her! They also told us that we now have to be nice to her - she now claims she won't do it anymore - but I can't trust her.What are our rights? Is it legal for an employee to do this and can I take action against my Boss for doing nothing about it
2007-02-14 15:49:34 · 4 answers · asked by jo 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am based in the UK by the way
2007-02-14 15:57:21 · update #1
Acutally - it is not bullying - it is one person in the work place not likely another - I don't bully anyone!! - Oh and I can tell you that this person is infact a bully herself - that is one of the reasons I don't like her.
2007-02-14 15:58:30 · update #2
clelver investigator - under the "Human Rights Act" I do have some rights - Privacy is a right in the work place - I'm just a little unsure as to how much Privacy I am allowed - Covert Monitoring in the UK is not legal unless it is to prevent a crime or in exceptional circumstances.
2007-02-14 16:04:36 · update #3
clever investigator - she has admitted ot the Directors of the Company that she has been covertly recording conversatoins
2007-02-14 19:16:18 · update #4
No you have no rights.
The emails are sent and recieved on work computers during work time. They belong to the company and it is up to them to take action if they can which I doubt. As to the recording you have no evidence and that is not strictly illegal, the recording of anything that is then involved in a court case would be inadmisable though.
Sorry there is nothing you can do except try to treat your co-worker nicely even if you dont like her.
Yes under the human rights act you do have certain rights to privacy. But the company email system falls out of that grouping as it was installed for business purposes and therefore falls out of your controll as a personal item that you have the right to privacy over.
As far as the recording go there are several rules on this that are complicated and I doubt that her recording your conversations is legal but you need evidence to prove she has been recording you. In getting that evidence such as placing a video camera to video her placing her tape rocorder you are breaking the law to get the evidence.
Give it up and get on with life its not worth wating time over.
2007-02-14 16:01:38 · answer #1 · answered by clever investor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if you are in the wrong her and she was gathering evidence that you were slandering and insulting her and using the firms time and equipment to do it.It sounds like your boss is obviously a sensible person who made a wise decision
2007-02-14 20:22:58 · answer #2 · answered by frankturk50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are at work its the bosses time. You have no right to complain.You get paid for working not gossiping now who is in the wrong?
2007-02-14 16:02:22 · answer #3 · answered by peppersham 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
change your password
2007-02-14 16:22:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋