Privacy Infringement?

Question

I have just discovered a member of staff using thier mobile 'phone to video record situations in the office and showing them to the MD. Is this legal and what do I do??

Before you ask we are not doing anything immoral or illegal just normal office banter and bitchin

I am appreciating your answers but the big question is what is the MD doing with the info. remember don't shoot the messenger. He has not had anything happen in the past. By the way we are the weekend staff with no management is he trying to find out what we do when he is not around?

Answer 1

Hello,

(ANS) This is a very tough question, why? because the law itself is unclear about such things (its NOT black & white). I would say that the employer can and does define what they consider acceptable behavior within their business and offices.

**However, there are limits and if an employee feels their space is being invaded or work is being spied upon constantly. Then I think you would have good grounds to complain.

**Further, if an employer has been ripped off by staff members in the past they might still be feeling very distrusting of staff. It does depend alot of the motives of the employer and why they feel the need to film staff at all.

**Personally, I feel we already live in a society where ALL our movements are tracked, or are traceable.

**We have well over 4 million CCTV cameras here in the UK, we are the most spied upon country in the world now.

** I wouldn't want my work spied upon or constantly filmed by my employer, I think the relationship between employee (staff) and the employer should be one of mutual respect & trust at the very least. The use of CCTV within the work place undermines this sense of trust & respect. The use of CCTV gives a totally negative message out, it assumes the staff or employee isn't trust worthy in my opinion.

**You MUST complain formally if you feel this camera phone filming is too invasive.

Ivan

Answer 2

Are you and your colleagues in a union? If not, I'd consider joining one.

Who is this 'member of staff' who is recording this information? Are they a manager? Is it a company mobile? If not, to what use is the film being used?

Whilst monitoring staff is not illegal, The Data Protection Act requires that staff should have knowledge of the location of cameras and should be part of a formal company policy.
Check www.informationcommissioner.co.uk for more information. But join a union if you're not in one!

Answer 3

I would let this member of staff know you are on to them, tell them if it doesn't stop then you will inform the rest of the staff and there will be a private meeting to decide how to deal with it. In other words make him/her think twice before doing it again.

Answer 4

Like you I do not like creeps, but perhaps something is going on that is not in the interest of the Company. I doubt it but let other members of staff know quietly, sneaky perhaps but but the message will get through to the creep in no uncertain terms one way or another.A more forceful character in the office will see to that

Answer 5

Set them up! Don't know your situation so can't sugest any ways of doing this but I'm sure you can. Be as devious as they are! If you don't want to do this go see the MD yourself and tell them what you know. I doubt if it is illegal and would be a civil matter.

Answer 6

What a filthy snitching scummy little low life. I suggest you and your colleauges take this little bag of cr#p outside out of work hours and kick them to within an inch of their lives.
I think it is illegal as it is recording you without consent, you do have a case for infringement of privacy.
Take the offenders phone and drop it in the toilet.

Answer 7

I believe this is illegal as cctv cams must by law be clearly visible as such and must warn of there intention to video you. a mobile cam as no such warning. So yes complain to your md. you have legal rights