Being filmed at work

[leffeman101]

Hi wasn't sure where to post this, A bit of a random question.............My employer is rolling out a new training scheme for the salesforce and part of it involves carrying out role plays and being videoed. The videos will then be played back in front of: a). the entire group to give feedback and b). 1-1 with our managers.
I'm pretty open minded generally, but do object to being filmed in this way and also having it aired for feedback amongst the rest of the salesforce.
Question is do I have the right to say 'NO'. I am not alone in not wanting to be filmed, others feel the same. I just wondered whether legally they need to ask my consent first and have I got the right to object in the first place?

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: Being filmed at work

As far as I know, you have the right to say no.

We were recorded on calls at work, and we had the right to object to them being played, except in diciplinarys (as they were mainly the evidence against you). I'm pretty sure you have to consent to being videoed and having it replayed.

[miliitant]

Re: Being filmed at work

being filmed at work for security etc, then as long as you are aware of it, the data protection act allows for it for the purpose of detecting crime etc

what it does NOT ALLOW is playing back the recording with your image on to people without your consent

that is why when you have film of people working in an office their features are distorted as they objected

another exception where they said they can do this would be an implied term in your contract of employment but i am confident that they would need your prior consent first

wait for more replies though

[labman]

Re: Being filmed at work

I'm with Militant, that for this purpose it would not be acceptable. Even if only used for training purposes, it could be demoralising. Role play training, no problems with the persons consent. Real 'on the job footage' - others have no right at all to see this, especially if in a training group it is going to be pulled to pieces.

Read your contract very carefully before mentioning anything, and consult your union rep about it.

as a Customer Service Adviser my calls were recorded and listened into, but feedback was discrete and private. Any assessment of your performance should be like this. Anything shown to a wider audience shouldonly be with consent IMO.

[bluebottle]

Re: Being filmed at work

As well as Criminal Law, I'm also familiar with Entertainment and Media Law, having run a printing and publishing business and written scripts for videos.

Surveillance video falls under the jurisdiction of the Data Protection Act 1998, as Militant and Labman correctly point out. Filming role-play scenarios for training purposes is a different kettle of fish, however. Unless there is an express term in your contract of employment requiring you to take part in such activities, such activities fall within the jurisdiction of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

In order to film someone and then playback the footage to others, as described by the OP, the employer needs to obtain consent to film and exhibit. Inserting clauses in contracts to the effect of "any other duties specified by the Company" won't work.

[leffeman101]

Re: Being filmed at work

Thanks for all the replies, really useful stuff. I don't remember anything in my contract, but will be digging it out and double checking. Thanks again.