A Bradford-based solicitor has warned firms on the dangers of monitoring staff in the workplace.
Robert McGough, a specialist in technology, media and telecommunications law at Gordons Cranswick, says the legal position is blurred. He says monitoring employees on the internet, phone or e-mail system could lead to employers being accused of unlawful activity.
Mr McGough said: "The Human Rights Act gives individuals the right to privacy, while the
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act gives businesses a right to monitor telephone calls, faxes and e-mails with the consent of their employees.
The Lawful Business Practice Regulations 2000 increased the powers of employers to monitor communications without the employees consent, while the Data Protection Registrar issued a report on data protection and monitoring which managed to further confuse the situation."
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