Nanny- are they legal? And can you recommend a good one?

[Soupysouperson]

I'm suddenly worried for reasons that are a long story and would out me. But as the title says really, I'm worried they might be illegal. But is it ok because it's in my own home? Interested in how many others use them/ how common it is.

What? As long as you are paying them and paying tax how can it be illegal

I don't understand.

Do you mean you think the person is in the country illegally or they do not have the correct work permission?

I don't understand either. Lots of people employ a nanny, it's totally legal as long as you follow employment laws and pay the relevant tax.

No, in the UK it is absolutely illegal to have a nanny. The police take it very, very seriously. You're looking at upwards of ten years in the clink.

You need to move immediately. Change your name. Cut off all contact with your friends/family.

Oh god, oh god! Nanny cams, NANNY CAMS! Sorry. So again - are nanny cams legal?

Outraged, I spat some tea laughing at your answer.

@ wewish

OP It is illegal to secretly record people in the workplace, unless you have very, very good reason.

It's fine to have a camera that the nanny knows is there though.

Ahhhhhhhhhh

makes much more sense

Nanny cams are not meant to be used in a home without the nanny knowing

Why do you feel you need one?

Do you think you dc are in danger from the nanny?

If you need a nannycam then trust in your nanny has broken down.
Sort out issues by talking, not covert surveillance.

Legality will depend where you live. Check local country/state law in particular Data Protection regulations as security systems these days store images digitally.

ACAS: Privacy issues are not clear cut - Covert Surveillance by Employer

ICO: CCTV - Guide to Data Protection

Advice Guide: Monitoring at Work

Whilst it may be legal to covertly film if there is reasonable suspicion that an offence is taking place, using that footage for anything other than confronting the offender is unwise I feel. The footage may be sufficient to force them to resign, or give you a reason to dismiss but it may be challenged in an employment tribunal and the outcome of that will depend on all the circumstances involved.

If your nanny has worked for less than 2 years, assuming you are in the UK you can simply dismiss them with notice (paid notice if you don't want them working their notice period).

If trust has broken down to the point that you feel a hidden camera is necessary, then I feel you should give them notice.

If you did use a hidden camera and you didn't see anything untoward, would you still be happy having that nanny care for your children, or would there still be a doubt in your mind?

I wouldn't work for anyone with a nanny cam. I like to be trusted by the people who employ me.

I think you need to think if you really want a nanny. They are legal but you have to tell your nanny if there is one.

I wouldn't like to work with a nanny cam. Whilst I have nothing to hide, I would feel truly uncomfortable and not be myself. I would wonder where there were others! I wouldn't be able to get down on the floor and be silly with the children and have play fights. I wouldn't sing nursery rhymes or silly made up songs, which the children adore because I am tone deaf and could not hold a note in a bucket!! Thankfully the children don't care! Also thankfully, my bosses trust me implicitly so I hope they wouldn't have a camera.

If i found out that my employer was filming me with a nanny cam I would leave immediately and probably consider taking legal action.
I would not work in an environment where I was filmed, it would make me feel very very uncomfortable and like the family did not trust or respect me.

There was a thread once where someone someone secretly filmed their nanny ....when they watched it back they were very pleasantly surprised.

The thing was they couldn't say anything, could they......

If you want to film, fair enough, but you have to let the nanny know.