Workplace use of CCTV surveillance


The use by employers of CCTV or video cameras has become common in a range of different workplaces, and is one of the most intrusive forms of monitoring. In many cases, cameras have been installed for fairly benign or understandable reasons, often related to site security, safeguarding (in schools and care homes) or broader health and safety concerns. 


CCTV is often used to ensure monitor security in public buildings — for example, council offices and police stations, and is usually justified in terms of protecting staff and users, and pupils/students at schools and colleges. It is also used to protect sensitive equipment, for example, at fire and ambulance stations and at military establishments, or in manufacturing of defence or medical equipment. 


A Unite rep responding to the LRD survey reported the use of CCTV at emergency operations centres, as well as both internally-facing and forward facing cameras in ambulances, and vehicle tracking devices monitoring both vehicle location and arrival times and driver behaviour (see Chapter 3). Recordings by internal cameras in ambulances would however only be saved if a “panic” button is hit by the crew. 


There were also cases of cameras being installed for the specific intention of monitoring staff activity, as well as without a specific reason being given.