Customer filming Employees

[Brisbane]

Hi,

We have a new issue that we are not sure how to deal with, regarding a customer filming our staff. Our business is based in Scotland and within the construction sector, so while the men are working on this persons private property, he is filming them working. I've tried finding the legalities of this as the men have contacted me saying that they aren't comfortable with this happening, I am finding conflicting information though, it's very much a grey area for me. The filming isn't happening with CCTV, but a handheld camera/mobile from a window in the main house, without our knowledge, one of the laborers just happened to catch it happening.

Can anyone advise where we stand on this? We obviously want the customer to be happy and content but have to consider our staff in this also.

Thanks.

[wales01man]

Re: Customer filming Employees

Whats the problem with them being filmed if they are doing their job ? Maybe they are spending a lot of time standing around or on their phones.

[R0b]

Re: Customer filming Employees

There is no illegal wrongdoing in England for someone to take pictures or film on a public place and quick search seems to indicate that is the same position in Scotland. So if the neighbour across the street films someone in front of a house then as it is reasonable for that person to be seen in public the neighbour could probably argue a right to do so.

France I believe have more restricted privacy laws than we do over here where you can bring a claim if you were filmed/pictured in private.

Unless the private property is hidden away and the neighbour has to do something physically to film them, then I don't think there is much you can do.

Of course if you are filming someone without their knowledge constantly then it may be a potential argument for harassment which is another kettle of fish.

That's just a starting point and I could be wrong completely. Have any of the builders asked the neighbour why they were filming and the purposes? it could be that the neighbour may want to make a complaint to the council.. or perhaps some other reason.

[Openlaw15]

Re: Customer filming Employees

Hi,

We have a new issue that we are not sure how to deal with, regarding a customer filming our staff. Our business is based in Scotland and within the construction sector, so while the men are working on this persons private property, he is filming them working. I've tried finding the legalities of this as the men have contacted me saying that they aren't comfortable with this happening, I am finding conflicting information though, it's very much a grey area for me. The filming isn't happening with CCTV, but a handheld camera/mobile from a window in the main house, without our knowledge, one of the laborers just happened to catch it happening.

Can anyone advise where we stand on this? We obviously want the customer to be happy and content but have to consider our staff in this also.

Thanks.

Well, it could be grounds for stalking, ie harassment if it continues. In general, the company/ its staff have the right to privacy under human rights' law. Is it just someone who's taking an interest or is filming for ulterior purposes. The customer may have a grievance with your company/ staff and looking for evidence, as other than that why would a customer at random just film.