radios and ipods at work

[bumblebee14]

the company i work for has banned radios. this had taken place months ago. this afternoon we were told that
i pods and mp3 players are now to be banned too. are they right to ban these? even radios on mobile phones?

[joko]

i would think it depended on the job...if its important that you are aware of whats goin on around you...such to hear machinery, alarms, beeps, phones, etc etc...then yes they are right to ban...

[R1Geezer]

they are within their rights, not sure what you mean by "are they right?" but presumably if staff are hired you want them concentrating on what they are doing, well assuming it's a job that needs some sort of thought anyway!

[themas]

More power to them! Even if you think you can work just as well while you are listening to the radio, that doesn't mean other staff are not affected by radios playing - anyone who's work involves any kind of thought or concentration could be distracted by extraneous noise.

The employer is entitled to make whatever rules he thinks necessary to obtain an efficient effective workforce. If you don't like it you can protest and take it through the formal grievance procedure, but I wouldn't fancy your chances of success. Or you could look for a job where the same rule doesn't apply. But if you asked about such a thing at interview don't be surprised if your application fails - it could give the impression that you may be unlikely to concentrate properly on doing your work.

[Ethel]

Your company must have a PRS licence to play the radio or taped music in the workplace or pay a hefty fine.

So the company was quite right to ban the radio.

Regarding mp3 players this has got to be a health and safety issue - even if you are able to hear above the mp3 it is still a distraction to you and those around you.

Even in your lunch break, if you are on the premises and play copyright music from any source your company must have that licence, so you must not play the radio on your mobile phone.

[sara3]

do you need a PRS licence if the radio is on a talk-only station? no music?

[Ethel]

Yes.

" Radio stations (including news and talk radio) use copyright sound recordings (such as theme tunes and background music during programmes) so any radio broadcasts within your business premises constitute a licensable public performance of copyright sound recordings."

And for television in the workplace - as well as the tv licence:
"Your TV licence only covers domestic use of your television equipment. Every television channel (including SKY Sports) uses copyright sound recordings in their broadcast ( such as theme tunes and background music during programmes) so any use of your television within your business premises constitutes a licensable public performance of copyright sound recordings."

http://www.ppluk.com/en/Music-Users/Playing-Mu sic-and-Videos-In-Public/FAQs-and-basic-operat ing-terms/

[sara3]

interesting, thanks :o)