CCTV with Audio recording in the office

[joelk2]

I'm sure there are some laws against this and I've found a few things but it's not so clear cut. Anyone have any guidance?

Our company have just kitted out our office with around 40cctv cameras which they say is for insurance and security purposes. My view is they are using it to spy/listen in to employee conversations.

I'm sure this is illegal?

 

[joelk2]

Depends if they have a specific reason for doing it

Essentially the ico code of practice for cctv and similar state pretty much that you can install CCTV anywhere (even toilets/changing rooms) as long as you have good reason (e.g. suspected drug activity etc), however they should still make it clear that both video and audio recording is taking place (E.g. via signage)



https://ico.org.uk/media/1542/cctv-code-of-practice.pdf

We have no signage at all regarding CCTV. Our last office had signs. And when questions our boss said the CCTV was just for the insurance/security purposes. But the fact is now wherever you stand in the office you are in view of 4 cameras at least. Seems rather excessive just for security.

How do you know they are listening to employees with it? You can ask them if it's just video or audio as well. Send it in an email to keep a log of it if you can. If not just make a note when you asked and the reply with dates e.t.c.

I don't know that they are, again my boss said they do record audio.

 

[joelk2]

Right. You need signs up then saying that there is CCTV in the area.

Yeah, this is what I've read. We had signs in our last place. They might no have got round to it yet so I can give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.

If they record a personal conversation it has to be protected under the data protection act and all the hasstle that involves (so proper encryption and data management etc, otherwise they are open to massive fines).

It doesnt matter what they claim or terms say. It might not be legal. They have to be able to justify having audio recordings and they probably cant.

From my readings it's having the justifiable reason for audio also. The wouldn't have any. They state the cameras are for security and insurance purposes.

They allowed camera up if they tell people why they are going to be used.

Theft is a common reason and as long as there’s signs up it’s perfectly legal when there’s a reason to do so.

Yeah. As above. They say insurance and security. I just don't trust that excuse. They've strategically placed cameras so they are able to.see all screens in the office from at least 2 cameras. It's the sheer volume I don't get.

 

[joelk2]

This.

Stuff like this is a systemic culture failure in the office and is unlikely to be cured any time soon, I'd be looking elsewhere, and in the mean time, doing everything I can to obstruct the cameras view of my workplace as well as putting on a radio or something to drown out any other noise. Managers who do this **** me off no end, many don't seem to understand that until you stop treating your staff like crap, they're going to treat you like crap.

What does the company do, what is your job?

Construction and design. If we were dealing with sensitive info I could probably understand it but we're we're not.

I will look at some point for something new that's for sure. The whole covid thing isn't helping the situation out there at the moment and as they pay pretty well Id need to take a pay cut I'm sure.