Employment Bulletin
20 March 2008
CCTV Code of Practice
There are no essential employment law developments this week, but the CCTV Code of Practice is worth a reminder.
The Code was implemented on 28 January 2008. It gives guidance on the use of CCTV in the workplace.
The Code encourages employers to conduct an assessment to consider whether each proposed use of CCTV is justified, how it will operate, and whether there are any alternatives (which must be proportionate and not intrusive). Staff should be informed that CCTV is being used in a particular area, and told what the footage will be used for. Often this will be crime prevention, in which case CCTV should not be used for other purposes, for example disciplinary, unless there is already conduct by an employee which the employer cannot reasonably ignore.
Covert monitoring should be undertaken only in exceptional circumstances, for example investigating serious crime.
A short policy statement included in an employee handbook could be an appropriate way of informing staff.
For further information contact Mike Davies on 0117 314 5336 or at mdavies@vwl.co.uk.
This publication is for guidance only. Reliance should not be placed upon it and nor should action be taken, without obtaining advice in respect of the specific circumstances applicable. We will be pleased to provide such advice or assistance.
