Is It Legal For My Employer To Record/listen To My Private Conversations In A House Provided As Part Of My Job

[Benjiboy]

I have found bugging equipment hidden in a house provided as part of my job.

[murraymints]

would not think so..

[furrypusscat]

I would have thought it was against your human rights.

[murraymints]

..and more than a bit creepy

[jackthehat]

I can't imagine that it is. I suppose your employer believes it is 'reasonable'.

What is your employers business?

[Prudie]

Unless you work for MI5 it sounds very weird and I doubt legal.

[tonyav]

Intrusive surveillance. Doubt if that's legal.

[Maydup]

Have you contacted the police? i should.

[Benjiboy]

difficult to answer jackthehat, been working here for several years and it has been going on without my knowledge since the first day.

[Benjiboy]

Thinking of that Maydup but don't know how I stand legally.

[murraymints]

I would challenge your employer.. what is your job ?

[Benjiboy]

Does anyone know what type of solicitor I should contact, ie what field of law?

[murraymints]

human rights..or plain old criminal ?

[wolf63]

Does nobody else have access to your house? It may be that it has nothing to do with your employer.

My first reaction is - what would your employer have to gain by doing this?

It's odd.

[Benjiboy]

Its in hospitality murraymints, don't want to be too specific (sorry)

[murraymints]

save yourself the expense and speak anonimously to the police..can't imagine any scenario where it would be permissable to place a staff member under surveillance in their home and not the work place where cctv is commonly used...

[mazie]

Employment lawyer would be your best bet Benji.

This from CAB website and this is in the workplace, not their living space

Secret monitoring

Some employers monitor their workers without informing them that this is happening, for example, by use of hidden cameras or audio devices. This is very rarely legal. Guidance under data protection law says that secret monitoring should not be allowed in private areas at work, such as staff toilets, unless there is serious crime involved, such as drug dealing.

[bhg481]

How do you know that it was your employer who bugged your house? If you are not the first person to live in the house it could have been anyone. How do you know the bugs are active ie, they are transmitting? I would have thought the police were the people to contact.

[Benjiboy]

wolf63, its complicated, he has been stolen from by previous employees in the past I think this is the reason, I think my main point is is it legal? should i not have been told? he has been privy to every aspect of my private life without telling OR asking my consent

[Prudie]

You can plough through this, it's not clear cut
https://www.onlinespyshop.co.uk/uk-surveillance-law-the-essential-guide/

[Benjiboy]

bhg481, they are 100% active I have had them checked, he has a history of this behaviour AND A VERY GOOD LAWYER.