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Office surveillance cameras
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My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
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"Personally I think it's appalling though apparently not illegal as long as you are informed. The culure in places like that must be questionable imo and not condusive to a good one. "
I am with this. I wouldn’t want to work in a place that watched you all the time. I would likely leave if I was faced with that. |
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OP,
I suggest you check out the ICO website. There have advice on CCTV.
You employer should have a justification separately for each of the video and audio. IIRC, there is a higher bar for recording audio. |
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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Time to dust off the old CV in my opinion. Wouldn't be happy with audio as well as video. In this age, being on cctv is just a fact of life but it does feel like a series of big brother when every move AND conversation is open to scrutiny. |
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When I did a refurb at Microsoft HQ in Reading I was tasked with installing a spy camera hidden in a fake smoke detector above a specific guys desk. It even had his name on the drawing! Anyway I decided that wasn’t ethical so Dave now has a fully functioning smoke detector above his desk instead. |
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I'd hate it and if I could would leave unless everyone even directors and managers were similarly monitored and I had access to it.
Simply if they have that level of distrust they're employing the wrong people so they're better off without me. |
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A former employer was forced into installing CCTV throughout the warehouse due to staff pilfering and as a result had evidence that allowed him to dismiss a number of staff.
Nearly 5 years later one of those staff members is claiming a breach of privacy and is taking the company to court. The fact that it is going to court must mean he actually had a case.
Since all that happened cameras have also been installed in reception and the main office but staff have been told there is no audio.
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Anything in the policies? Did you all get updated work contracts specifically containing clauses around being monitored and listened to at work? If not, I’m not 100% sure what they’re doing is entirely legal.
You could challenge this on legal grounds and expected, reasonable, rights to privacy. If nothing is mentioned, you could resign and claim unfair dismissal. |
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By *ripfillMan 19 weeks ago
Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Havant |
It’s very Orwellian … it undermines the relationship with the work force totally
Were there consultations , do you have a union ?
Why do you think the senior management have sanctioned the instal ?
Its suggests redundancy performance targets piece rate checks …
The thing is the workforce is key to any BBC company with out it no company ?
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By *inaTitzTV/TS 19 weeks ago
Titz Towers, North Notts |
I'd refer it to the area convenor of your union. It's a gross invasion of your privacy and I think there is a very high bar that would need to be met for your employer to justify them  |
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We have these in our office but they aren’t monitored. We had some expensive equipment taken one weekend and it was used to identify the offender. I agree with it from a retrospective access point but not if monitored 24/7 or by listening software |
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I’d be uncomfortable with that.
There are very specific requirements around this. The recordings should be taken for very specific reasons and used only for that. Eg if they’re made to record quality of customer service, they can’t be used to monitor productivity on the side. A piece of case law covered security CCTV that incidentally caught someone’s monitor and showed them regularly playing solitaire. A disciplinary couldn’t be upheld because that’s not why the cameras were installed 😂
Recordings shouldn’t be intrusive.
Criminal investigations have slightly different requirements but must have clear aims and justification (theft etc).
They should be informing you of the reason for recording and the process to obtain a copy. |
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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We have a mix of areas that are surveilled.
Several people have been sacked for breaching company code of conduct, including activities during lunchtime /after work |
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There is no trade union here, so that’s not an option. Most people aren’t bothered, but some really are. It was mentioned in a company briefing. We were told they were there for health and safety & security reasons, not for productivity. We don’t know weather they monitored. |
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Another member of staff has handed their notice to leave.
That’s two now. This one is a lady who’s worked here in the office for 7 years. There will be no one left at this rate. I think it’s a ruse to get rid of people!
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"We have a mix of areas that are surveilled.
Several people have been sacked for breaching company code of conduct, including activities during lunchtime /after work "
What were they doing at lunchtimes & after work? |
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By *ee69Man 19 weeks ago
glasgow |
Used to work in factory and warehouse and always had them , you forget they are there tbh , if your just working nothing to bother with.
In my job now the public film us all the time it seem to be modern world now weather you want or not . |
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
"
It’s awful and terribly intrusive. We all neee privacy!
I doubt it’s even legal to be filmed and have audio taken constantly throughout your entire working hours, unless stated in your contract.id also challenge it on security grounds - where is that video and audio data being stored? Could it be leaked or hacked? Could it be feeding into AI systems? Who has access to it? Will you be informed any time someone views your likeness? Etc |
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
It’s awful and terribly intrusive. We all neee privacy!
I doubt it’s even legal to be filmed and have audio taken constantly throughout your entire working hours, unless stated in your contract.id also challenge it on security grounds - where is that video and audio data being stored? Could it be leaked or hacked? Could it be feeding into AI systems? Who has access to it? Will you be informed any time someone views your likeness? Etc"
*need |
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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Guess it depends on the nature of the work especially if dealing with the general public it can prevent /detect crime, protect your integrity and gather evidence regarding any allegations made against yourself. If you are just doing your job no issues  |
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By *r TriomanMan 19 weeks ago
Chippenham Malmesbury area |
My Bosses sit on the same floor plate as the workers, when they are there they can see and hear everything therefore, surveillance cameras watching and listening wouldn't be a problem, my issue would be that they record and and store this information, I'd want to know what they intend to with the data that they collect? And (as someone has already said) where do I stand legally? |
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"Guess it depends on the nature of the work especially if dealing with the general public it can prevent /detect crime, protect your integrity and gather evidence regarding any allegations made against yourself. If you are just doing your job no issues "
Why start from a point of mistrust? If this was a spouse wanting to record their partners every move it would be regarded as coercive behaviour. |
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No regardless of legality or not it’s a no from me, you are not your work, you are not kpi targets or a product, you are sacrificing your time skills and knowledge for a wage, time skills and knowledge which can be used elsewhere, that’s fucking outrageous |
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If you are doing nothing wrong then you have nothing to worry about.
But I'd be very vocal in discussing in detail any really gross made up medical conditions.
Fart a lot.
Make up some imaginary heist, maybe use the plot of ocean's 11 .
See if anything happens.
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How many would accept cctv with sound in the cloakrooms. Not in the cubicles but by the hand basins? You know just to make sure you're not doing or saying anything you shouldn't or spending longer away from your desk than necessary |
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
"
No I definitely wouldn't be ,they can supposedly fit them to survey illegal activity but not for spying on staff or in fact listening to what they say ,I would protest now at installation stage otherwise you are buggered . |
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
"
Driving a truck my employer has installed 3 cameras in the cab watching me all day and listening. But only records in an accident so they say. You do forget they are there after a while. |
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"How many would accept cctv with sound in the cloakrooms. Not in the cubicles but by the hand basins? You know just to make sure you're not doing or saying anything you shouldn't or spending longer away from your desk than necessary"
I’m not keen on it, I’m concerned that I’ll be sitting there in a constant paranoid state. It’s a very uncomfortable thought. My respect for the company and the management has fallen off a cliff. I feel under suspicion, it really does make me feel like Winston Smith.
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
No I definitely wouldn't be ,they can supposedly fit them to survey illegal activity but not for spying on staff or in fact listening to what they say ,I would protest now at installation stage otherwise you are buggered ."
People are not happy, and are being very vocal about it. The management don’t care, they are just doing what the directors above them have demanded. |
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
No I definitely wouldn't be ,they can supposedly fit them to survey illegal activity but not for spying on staff or in fact listening to what they say ,I would protest now at installation stage otherwise you are buggered ."
Two people have already handed in their notice. |
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I recently installed them in our workplace. Video only no audio for insurance purposes.
There are a lot of laws surrounding it. There has to be a justifiable reason especially for recording audio. |
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"If you are doing nothing wrong then you have nothing to worry about.
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And what is the definition of “wrong” ? We all do things in work that are non-work related. Especially in an office. I think there’s a stat like only 60% of our work time is spent working. That’s not bad, that’s a normal part of how our brains work.
But in a constantly surveillanced workplace it’ll be considered “wrong”. As time goes by I’m sure they would list all kinds of things that they consider “wrong” until you’re under unrealistic levels of pressure. |
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"If you are doing nothing wrong then you have nothing to worry about.
And what is the definition of “wrong” ? We all do things in work that are non-work related. Especially in an office. I think there’s a stat like only 60% of our work time is spent working. That’s not bad, that’s a normal part of how our brains work.
But in a constantly surveillanced workplace it’ll be considered “wrong”. As time goes by I’m sure they would list all kinds of things that they consider “wrong” until you’re under unrealistic levels of pressure."
Yep. Nothing to worry about until suddenly something you've been doing all along suddenly becomes wrong.
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I work in gatehouse I'm on camera all day but no sound luckily. I personally think that it is too intrusive for cameras that can record sound in an office. Just remember when slagging off the management you aren't close to one |
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All cameras have video and audio , in the street , in the pub , in ya car , in the shop etc etc .....
it dosent mean your being listened to or watched 24/7..........but in the event of cctv being required, its there.
unfortunately its totally legal., as i say , dont be paranoid, there not listening and watching , only when required  |
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"All cameras have video and audio , in the street , in the pub , in ya car , in the shop etc etc .....
it dosent mean your being listened to or watched 24/7..........but in the event of cctv being required, its there.
unfortunately its totally legal., as i say , dont be paranoid, there not listening and watching , only when required "
1. No, all cameras don’t have audio. Most cctv doesn’t have audio.
2. It’s not automatically legal. You need permission and a justifiable reason to record others, and then further permission still to record audio.
3. It’s also not legal to view cameras/audio unless you have reason.
4. You actually are monitored constantly on camera with new AI technology that can use facial recognition and audio recognition to flag and highlight anything you say.
5. Most cameras now also live stream to phones aand other devices, meaning your employer can be watching you in real time. As someone in this thread has stated, their boss uses it on their day off to spy on them. |
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
"
Maybe he's spotted you on fab and wants a closer look at that pretty ass  |
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You should have been informed of the specific reasons and also that all about monitoring access and retention of the recordings. Depending on why they are doing it, the law may require informed consent. If it’s really for H&S then probably not, it might be needed to be compliant |
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And I thought my workplace was bad for attempting to force me to take two days holiday over Xmas period as it's "not fair" to close the warehouse, who are paid hourly, as this would involve them taking three days leave. Oh, but it's fair to try forcing a salaried staff member who works in a different department to have two days off though....? |
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"My employer is currently installing surveillance cameras in the whole workplace, including the offices.
Some of the staff, in the offices more so, are not at all happy. Especially after finding out that these cameras listen as well as watch. One member of staff who has worked here for over 30 years handed in his notice!
Interested on others thoughts about this. Are you all happy to be surveilled both audibly and visibly during work or do you think that it’s a bit intrusive?
No I definitely wouldn't be ,they can supposedly fit them to survey illegal activity but not for spying on staff or in fact listening to what they say ,I would protest now at installation stage otherwise you are buggered .
People are not happy, and are being very vocal about it. The management don’t care, they are just doing what the directors above them have demanded."
Speak now or you will have them forever . |
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Just piss him off or her off . Under the freedom of information act and GDPR. You can request all footage they have on you. By law they have to give it to you. Do it ever few weeks. They can only keep footage for 30days. Unless needed for prosecuting. |
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" Just piss him off or her off . Under the freedom of information act and GDPR. You can request all footage they have on you. By law they have to give it to you. Do it ever few weeks. They can only keep footage for 30days. Unless needed for prosecuting. "
If everybody did this it would be a full time job for them! |
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I've worked in Nurseries which have had CCTV installed in rooms...It never bothered me and protected staff against allegations made...and useful if a child had an accident and staff were not aware or unsure of the circumstances.
But I get it's a different environment, I'd check out the laws surrounding recording and monitoring and they can't monitor areas where staff can expect them to be private....They need to ensure monitoring is GDPR and ICO compliant |
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" Just piss him off or her off . Under the freedom of information act and GDPR. You can request all footage they have on you. By law they have to give it to you. Do it ever few weeks. They can only keep footage for 30days. Unless needed for prosecuting. "
Even if the footage has other people in the frame? |
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Buy a helium balloon and set it floating in front of the cam. Or walk around with a go pro cam on your person and record back.
Seriously, they are being a bit childish having cams everywhere but it's the way of the world now.
They might be fake just a detterent.
At least if someone nicks your stapler while you go to the loo there should be video evidence. |
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" Just piss him off or her off . Under the freedom of information act and GDPR. You can request all footage they have on you. By law they have to give it to you. Do it ever few weeks. They can only keep footage for 30days. Unless needed for prosecuting.
If everybody did this it would be a full time job for them!"
They can just legally refuse on the grounds that it’s manifestly unfounded or excessive. The act allows for this and lots of companies use that clause now against people who abuse civil rights like this. If you have a complaint or a problem with your employer deal with it like a grown up |
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" Just piss him off or her off . Under the freedom of information act and GDPR. You can request all footage they have on you. By law they have to give it to you. Do it ever few weeks. They can only keep footage for 30days. Unless needed for prosecuting.
If everybody did this it would be a full time job for them!
They can just legally refuse on the grounds that it’s manifestly unfounded or excessive. The act allows for this and lots of companies use that clause now against people who abuse civil rights like this. If you have a complaint or a problem with your employer deal with it like a grown up "
All complaints and grievances have been dismissed. We’ve been told that they’re “it’s non negotiable, they’re being installed, so better get used to it”.
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By (user no longer on site) 19 weeks ago
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"We have a mix of areas that are surveilled.
Several people have been sacked for breaching company code of conduct, including activities during lunchtime /after work
What were they doing at lunchtimes & after work?"
I can't say, but use your imagination |
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"OP,
I suggest you check out the ICO website. There have advice on CCTV.
You employer should have a justification separately for each of the video and audio. IIRC, there is a higher bar for recording audio. "
And licences for whom ever has the acxess to watch on mobile phones |
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