The United Kingdom has an estimated 7.5 million CCTV cameras spread across the country, or roughly one camera for every eleven people. CCTV cameras are not only used in public places anymore; they’re now common in many workplaces across the country as well.
As more businesses use CCTV to protect their property, reduce theft, and monitor work, it's important to balance safety with employee privacy. When used correctly, it can support both operational efficiency and legal compliance.
In this article, we're going to explain the laws regarding workplace CCTV surveillance in the UK and guide employers on how to balance security needs with legal responsibilities and employee rights.
Part 1: Why Use CCTV In the Workplace?
CCTV cameras in the workplace serve as a valuable tool for improving safety:
Theft and Asset Protection
Visible surveillance helps prevent both external and internal theft. According to statistics, companies that install security cameras report a 50% drop in staff theft and shoplifting. Additionally, CCTV footage from the workplace can also be used as evidence in investigations, helping resolve conflicts or identifying repeat offenders.
Employee and Visitor Safety
It is important to protect employees and make them feel like an integral part of the company. CCTV footage can be used for resolving both external and internal disputes among your employees and clients. This can help protect your employees from getting blamed for the wrong reasons.
Other than this, CCTV footage is also very useful when it comes to insurance claims in case of workplace accidents. Using CCTV footage as proof can facilitate the claims process and possibly reduce employee compensation processing times.
Productivity Monitoring
Other than security reasons, CCTV cameras are also used for monitoring employee productivity and performance. By monitoring workflows and interactions, managers can streamline daily operations and provide targeted feedback to improve team performance.
Such surveillance is especially critical in industries such as healthcare and finance, where precision and risk management are necessary.
Surveillance of Highly Sensitive Areas
CCTV systems can be used for monitoring highly sensitive areas within a company's premises. Installing cameras in places like document or cash rooms is strongly advised. By doing this, instances of sabotage and sensitive information leaks that could damage the company's reputation can be avoided.
Part 2: Is CCTV Legal in the Workplace?
It is legal to employ CCTV cameras in the workplace, but there are stringent guidelines your business must adhere to. The Human Rights Act of 1998, the Data Protection Act of 2018, and the UK GDPR establish the legal foundation for safeguarding employees' personal information and privacy. Here’s more information on CCTV laws in the workplace in the UK:
Human Rights Act 1998 (right to privacy)
This Act provides a comprehensive framework for personal privacy protection of individuals in both public and private places, such as the workplace.
According to this act, even though surveillance is allowed, it must be done for legitimate reasons only. Constant or hidden monitoring may breach this right. Moreover, it should take into account the employees' right to privacy, especially in sensitive areas like restrooms and breakrooms.
GDPR
CCTV footage is regarded as personal information under the GDPR. Employers are therefore required to adhere to stringent policies regarding their use and storage. These include registering with the ICO, conducting a DPIA (Data Protection Impact Assessment), setting footage retention periods, securing data and access, and responding to SARs (Subject Access Requests).
Data Protection Act 2018
This law underpins the GDPR framework in the UK by setting rules regarding how personal data, including CCTV footage, is collected, used, and stored. In order to conduct surveillance, the employer should have legitimate, lawful reasons, and the employees should be informed that they are being recorded. Plus, the data recorded should be protected against misuse.
Part 3: How to Use CCTV at the Workplace Correctly
Here are some important things both employers and employees should know regarding the use of CCTV at the workplace:
For Employers: Legal and Ethical Use of CCTV
1. Conduct a DPIA
The employer should carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment before installing CCTV cameras in the workplace. It helps ensure that CCTV use is necessary and legally justified. It also helps assess risks to employee privacy and identify measures to mitigate those risks. This assessment helps ensure compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR (where applicable).
2. Put Up Clear Signage
It is crucial to let employees and visitors know that they are being recorded. This can be done by putting up clear signs in the workplace that explain the purpose of the cameras, who is in charge of the footage, and the duration of recording.
3. Manage Employee Requests for CCTV Footage
Under the GDPR's subject access request provisions, employees are entitled to request access to their own video footage. A business must have a proper procedure in place to manage these requests effectively.
4. Notify Workers Ahead of Time
Before cameras are installed, educate all employees about the use of CCTV. Explain the need for cameras, how the footage may be used, and their rights regarding the recordings.
For Employees: Your Rights Regarding Workplace CCTV
1. Right to Privacy and Being Informed
If you're being filmed at work, you have a right to know. Employers are required to inform you where exactly the cameras are located, their purpose, and the intended use of the recorded material.
2. Right to Access CCTV Footage
You have the right to view any CCTV footage that includes you. Since it is part of your personal data, your employer is required to provide it within a reasonable time, usually within one month.
3. Right to Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access or leaks, the personal information captured by CCTV, including video recordings, must be stored securely. To further safeguard your privacy over time, video should only be kept for as long as required, typically a few days or weeks, before being deleted safely.
4. Right to File Complaints
You can file a complaint if you think your privacy is being infringed upon or the CCTV is being misused. This could be done through your manager, HR department, or, if necessary, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Part 4: eufy Business Solutions – 24/7 Protection Made Simple
eufy provides smart, reliable business CCTV solutions and cctv camera systems tailored to fit the needs of different industries. Their business bundles offer a variety of options for indoor, outdoor, or full-property coverage. The system uses local storage with strong encryption and supports 24/7 continuous recording.
Other features include:
- Up to 4K resolution with color night vision
- Easy installation and stable Wi-Fi coverage
- Weather-resistant (IP67) for all climates
- Scalable & customizable
Final Thoughts
When used properly, CCTV can contribute to a safer and more productive workplace. However, it is crucial to follow the rules set by the UK government for workplace surveillance. Employers must balance employee privacy and surveillance.
eufy’s smart business bundles and the latest NVR CCTV system S4 Max are specifically designed for different types of UK businesses. Take action today to protect your workplace and your people with eufy.
FAQs
Is it legal to record sound on cctv at work?
Audio recording has far more limitations than video recording. Employers are generally prohibited from recording audio without express consent since it more severely violates privacy.
Who can view CCTV footage at work?
CCTV footage can only be accessed by authorized personnel, such as managers, security, or employees who appear in the recording.
What’s the CCTV footage retention limit under UK law?
According to UK law, footage should only be retained till it's necessary, usually no more than 30 days, unless needed for lawful reasons.
What CCTV signs do I need and where?
Signs that clearly state that CCTV is being used, who is in charge of it, and why should be placed at all entrances and in locations with cameras. This makes it easier for everyone to understand why they are being filmed.
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