Can you use CCTV in an HR disciplinary hearing?

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. It is often used in the workplace to protect staff, visitors, assets and property.

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CCTV

The purpose of disciplinary action is to correct the behaviour of an employee, whilst documenting issues in case the problem arises again in future. Disciplinary action usually comes after a complete HR investigation, where the employer will seek to document and evidence problems and issues.

Footage gained from the use of CCTV is subject to general data protection regulations, therefore there are legalities to consider when processing this data when relying on it to prove a person’s misconduct at work. Whilst an employer can monitor their employees, they must have a lawful reason for doing so. This could include safety, security and safeguarding staff and property from crime.

CCTV can only be used in disciplinary procedures when staff have been informed in advance that they are being monitored. The employer must also demonstrate that there were no other less invasive methods of supervision available to them, such as human monitoring.

In many cases, the use of CCTV for disciplinary action will be unlawful, due to breaches of GDPR. A business then runs the risk of legalities, fines and bans on data processing.

Other Uses for CCTV

CCTV is not only an effective tool for recording and collecting data on people, for example, in home security or the workplace. It is also commonly used in other specialist sectors to gather information.

The latest advances in technology mean that complicated underground systems, such as drainage and sewerage, can now be viewed remotely, with the use of state-of-the-art CCTV systems. This allows engineers to locate blockages, damage and cracks, without the need for costly and disruptive ground excavations. If you are considering a CCTV drain survey Wolverhampton, specialist surveyors such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-wolverhampton/ offer solutions.

In the not-so-distant future, it is likely that CCTV will become more innovative and used as a tool in many other fields, with the introduction of machine learning, AI and data analytics. This could completely transform the way we live.

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