Spying on staff

the_devil_made_me_do_it

It's my OH & his collegues who are being scrutinized by the HR person. The HR person has been in the job a number of years apparently, so it isn't because he's new to the job and trying to prove his worth. The CCTV equiment has also been installed for quite some time too. From my standpoint, he appears to be totally paranoid, as he has no reason for monitoring net usage or phone calls. He has given no reason as to why he is doing this. As I said earlier, it begs the question of how he has the time to carry out this monitoring, seems he just likes to feel important.

Tiddlywinks

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

From my standpoint, he appears to be totally paranoid, as he has no reason for monitoring net usage or phone calls. He has given no reason as to why he is doing this. As I said earlier, it begs the question of how he has the time to carry out this monitoring, seems he just likes to feel important.

The company has invested in the purchase of CCTV and internet monitoring software so it is obviously a company endorsed process which they see as necessary and not just the HR chap being "paranoid"

As to his reason for undertaking the monitoring? Well, it may be his allocated job!

Your OH is using phones and IT systems which are corporate assets so why shouldn't the company want to ensure they are used correctly and not abused? If your OH is doing nothing wrong then he has nothing to worry about does he?:rolleyes:

the_devil_made_me_do_it

He's not worried. He rarely uses the telephone as he has a mobile phone, so has no need to use the works phone, except for work related issues. As for internet, I think he uses it on his lunch break. My issue was to do with whether it was legal or not to monitor net and telephone activity without informing staff first or without having good reason to do so.

anamenottaken

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

My issue was to do with whether it was legal or not to monitor net and telephone activity without informing staff first or without having good reason to do so.

Generally speaking, it is legal to monitor as long as they have advised users that they will do so - usually it's in the internet/computer policy provided.

The Data Controller is often the company itself rather than a person, so the question about who can do the monitoring isn't really related to this issue.

They also need to have advised of where the CCTV cameras are - and to include the fact that they have CCTV in their registration re Data Protection.

olly300

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Is it legal to spy on staff internet usage when there is no suspicion of wrong doing?

They need to inform you first.

It should be in your contract, or if it isn't then they should have sent you an email or a letter informing you of the change as it a change to your contract terms and conditions.

If they have not informed you at all I suggest you contact the Office of the Information Commissioner via their helpline. (Google it.)

nexuss

http://www.out-law.com/page-458

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I'll tell him that he needs to check his contract ect.

ihatebt_2

The Internet is a major distraction to many staff. Having been in positions myself (network admin) where I can monitor usage statistics, many a time I have seen that some employees spend 3 - 4 hours a day browsing. The worst offenders were on computers usually out of sight from supervisors. I think, where possible, computers should be arranged so others can see what you are up to. The first thing I block on networks these days is Facebook and the like. People can use Facebook on their own computer when they get home.

movingforward2010

does it tell you before you log on the computer about the electronic media policy?

Mrs_J_3

I've worked in many places were internet use is monitored. I've seen people be disciplined for excessive internet use on company time (fair enough you're supposed to be working), and for downloading !!!!!! (just plain icky on a work's computer). It will probably be documented in a company policy and staff will usually sign something as proof of reading. This means that people can't claim ignorance of policies etc. at a later date.

I'd be much more worried with regards to the CCTV. What happens to the images? How long are they kept etc.