Employer filmed me at work

[Karting1967]

One of the directors sent me a message on WhatsApp saying "what are you still doing at work" and "we can see you". I didn't know we had any form of CCTV, there's no signs anywhere and certainly we've never been issued with a policy saying we might be filmed.

A quick look at the ACAS website says:

"Covert monitoring

It's very rare that employers would need to carry out monitoring in secret without the staff being told they are being monitored. Employers must have a genuine reason to carry out covert monitoring such as criminal activities or malpractice. Monitoring must be obtained as quickly as possible, and only as part of a specific investigation. The monitoring must stop when the investigation has finished."

What would you make of this? I'm wondering how often I've been watched previously...

Do you have permission to work late?

They know I regularly stay behind a short while. Not sure who I need permission from?

If someone has a concern about me, why not come out and say it though?

I’d imagine from your manager/owner or whoever manages the building. I wonder if you are insured to be working there out of office hours/security issues. Do you lock yourself in? Does anyone else know you to be a lone worker in the building into the night?

I’m not a lone worker, there are people in the other offices till at least 8. Presumably there’s a security company who lock up, I don’t know. I left at 6ish, the last director to leave left half an hour before me.

Can you find the camera from the angle your picture is and cover/remove it? Definitely speak to ACAS and find out the legal implications. I can’t imagine that’s at all legal!

How would I explain having removed it though?

Look at ICO. They gave the dos abd donts of cctv usage. There must be a sign for starters.

Don’t get removing anything OP. That could be deemed as theft or sabotage.

Deal with this professionally and concisely either in person or by email.

Dear [creepy director]

I wish to highlight my dissatisfaction that your company has some form of CCTV or recording device that I am unaware of.

To be messaged via WhatsApp “what are you still doing at work" and "we can see you" was not only creepy but inappropriate given my role and your seniority.

If you have CCTV in place, I’m ok with this, however there should be a clear policy which advises of its’ purpose (which is normally to prevent crime and keep staff safe).

Its’ purpose should not be to check on staff working beyond hours and “watch” us. Can you understand how one might find a message stating this very uncomfortable?

I trust you will address this matter accordingly and advise me of an update once you have had chance to review and reflect on my thoughts and feelings on covertly recording staff in the workplace

I am confident we can reach a resolution

I have no intention of removing anything but I don’t think that letter’s the right way either. I’d rather approach my boss in the first instance.

People seem to make excuses for anything on here. It's definitely either creepy, or a demonstration of power, or an indication of a lack of trust, or all of the above. I wouldn't be happy with it at all.

How would you handle it obviouspretzel?

That letter was advice from of what to say either in person or in writing (or both) which I refer to

You’re welcome

Did you not just ask them?

Ask them what? This happened last night so I haven’t seen them yet. Will ask for a quick chat with my boss when he’s in this pm.

My boss rang about something else so I mentioned it. He didn’t really seem to understand my concern and went into a long explanation about how it triggers after a certain time in the evening if there’s movement. No problems about me staying late.

I’d be saying something from the point of view of advising them that they need to make people aware there’s cctv, etc. I’d also stop working later than my colleagues if I thought I was being watched like that.

They sound a bit weird and unprofessional. I would be reappraising what I could possibly learn from them.