In the UK, there are 5.2 million cameras – or one camera for every 13 people. 96% of these are owned and operated by individuals and businesses.
The use of CCTV in the office can reduce crime, deter it and make the work environment safer for employees. However, employers must also consider the right to privacy as well as the appropriateness of the use.
According to The Information Commissioner’s Office, the use CCTV in the workplace can only be deployed when judged “necessary” and “to meet a pressing requirement”, such as:
- Staff security
- Prevention of theft or vandalism
- Monitoring staff performance and productivity
- Monitoring health and safety compliance.
To ensure that monitoring is proportionate, employers have a duty to conduct an impact on privacy analysis prior to installation. This will allow them to assess the impact of monitoring on an individual’s privacy rights. It is also important to consider other alternatives that are less intrusive and can meet the same needs. For CCTV Installation Worcester, visit https://apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-worcester
Employees and visitors should be made aware that recordings are being taken. This is usually done by clear signage, and the privacy notice for employees should include information about CCTV. The notice should include information about the purpose of the recording and the duration for which it will be stored. After this time, footage should be deleted.
It is the recommendation of the ICO that signals from wireless networks used by CCTV are encrypted to stop hacking.
Visitors and employees at the workplace can make a request for access to CCTV footage that shows them. This business has one month to respond and should record all access requests, when they were granted or refused and the reasons for those decisions.