To wish my boss would piss off?

[BigBWatching]

Boss currently on holiday leaving myself and 3 others to cover. Boss has CCTV on entrances / exits in case of break ins, however has also installed CCTV throughout the building for no reason other than to ‘supervise’ there is no area not monitored. I was told it’s for disciplining slacking, the building is cashless and the cameras are only to view staff.
Boss constantly texts to say they have seen such and such or been listening in to conversations between staff and commenting on what was said. I also receive updates on what’s been ‘observed’ after I’ve clocked off. It’s creeping me out! The building is tiny and it’s complete overkill. Would this bother you? Or am I being sensitive to this on top of so many other issues….

I have CCTV at both my businesses that I can access remotely, but I don't use it to constantly check on staff. I have rung one business in 8 years when one of the staff was swinging off a canopy but it was his bad luck that I looked at that precise moment! Unless your boss has real.reason to be trying to catch staff out it is quite concerning that he employs people he can't trust imo

So he’s listening to conversations? You have no privacy, surely that’s unacceptable? Ridiculous.

Long loo breaks ….

Yes. Spending a great deal of time listening in and commenting, generally it’s work matters being discussed, boss will be listening and text with their superior input usually putting down a member of staff in the process.
This week, a staff member has been pulled up for going to the loo too many times (it was not excessive) getting a glass of water and standing for 20 seconds to stretch their back.
I feel if boss needs to monitor us so much perhaps they shouldn’t bother with holidays and actually contribute!

You need a new job, this person is a total twat.

Just a thought, but you might want to check that there are no cameras in the loos-that would be illegal

@AgathaChristiesFurcoat

Just a thought, but you might want to check that there are no cameras in the loos-that would be illegal

Oh I’ve considered this. Particularly that they may be hidden. It makes me extremely uneasy.

I would actually go to ACAS for some advice.

Im not entirely sure they can do this without following some rules, for example they need to have put signs up in the workplace saying that audio and visual cctv is recording and the reasons why.

My boss has done this and also listens in to private conversations etc and micro manages everything. Yes, I am looking for another job and I'm not the only one.

Sounds dreadful OP.

Apologies, I clicked YABU, but that was a mistake. YANBU.
That would creep the fuck out of me, I’d agree with pp, contact ACAS for advice. The law around surveillance of employees is complicated:

network-data-cabling.co.uk/blog/cctv-employees-rights/

I’d screenshot his texts though, and keep them in a file, just in case you need them. I’d think about a new job, it’s not the way I’d like to work, although our boss told us that cameras would pick up if we left early!

If UK, report it to the ICO and the surveillance camera commissioner.

I'd absolutely hate this. What kind of business is it?!

This does not sound right. Both from a privacy point of view (everyone essentially being spied on) and from the point of view of telling employees off for doing things they are legally allowed to do such as go to the toilet, take frequent breaks from screens and stretch etc. This type of environment will lead to stress. Someone is going to end up suing them

I had a boss who did this, it was a very small office with a team of 3! Once, I had looked down at my phone as it flashed (didn't touch it) and literally within seconds he called the office to tell me to put the phone away, its horrible feeling like you don't know when you're being watched and when you're not and I'm pretty sure its illegal.

Does this man own the business?

Hi Op , I used to look after CCTV where I worked. What you need to be aware of is the following.

Your boss can record employees at work (Video) as long as he informs staff in writing and can only use the footage for an investigation and as long as it is being used for an investigation or to prevent an employee breaking the law.

Now for Audio, You boss can only record Employees (any conversations by the members of the public is against the law), here is the big BUT he can only record audio once he has made all staff aware and informed them all in writing AND has a very specific reason for doing so (I find it hard to think of any specific reason he could have), you should contact the ICO.

I find it very difficult to believe he has a legal reason to listen in and record audio, I would seriously ask for legal advice on this part.

Sounds like your boss needs to get a life, seriously.

Imagine hearing what people actually think of you! I’d be looking for a new job .

@MrsDukeOfHastings

I had a boss who did this, it was a very small office with a team of 3! Once, I had looked down at my phone as it flashed (didn't touch it) and literally within seconds he called the office to tell me to put the phone away, its horrible feeling like you don't know when you're being watched and when you're not and I'm pretty sure its illegal.

Same set up here.

Yes he owns the business and is an utter control freak in all areas.

I wasn’t actually aware the cameras were recording sound until he mentioned listening in.

I am looking for another job, have been for some time but I’m struggling with where I am in the meantime, my mental health has plummeted in the last 12 months. Probably why I was doubting if I was being over sensitive to the monitoring.

@NutNutmum

Hi Op , I used to look after CCTV where I worked. What you need to be aware of is the following.

Your boss can record employees at work (Video) as long as he informs staff in writing and can only use the footage for an investigation and as long as it is being used for an investigation or to prevent an employee breaking the law.

Now for Audio, You boss can only record Employees (any conversations by the members of the public is against the law), here is the big BUT he can only record audio once he has made all staff aware and informed them all in writing AND has a very specific reason for doing so (I find it hard to think of any specific reason he could have), you should contact the ICO.

I find it very difficult to believe he has a legal reason to listen in and record audio, I would seriously ask for legal advice on this part.

Extremely helpful, thank you 😊

Oh god, this sounds depressingly like a hell hole I used to work in. You're not in the Midlands are you?

Echo PP, they have to have a specific reason for recording and listening to audio AND to have all employees consent in writing....mine forged our signatures when challenged 🤦🏼‍♀️ some people should NOT own/run businesses - you have my sympathy.

Maybe your chats need to be about leaving and going to a rival company as the staff there are well respected.
..

I'd be tempted to disable one just to annoy him.

Others' advice on the ICO and legality I suggest following up on.