Is it legal to have a cctv camera in an office?

The firm I work for has cctv in several places (car park, reception etc) including the main office pointed at the workers desks. The bosses share the main office with us (in a different section) they say it is to be able to hear if the phone needs answering!! It is also linked to a video recorder which is often put on during the bosses meetings which are held in a different room whilst WE THE STAFF are in the main office ALONE!!

Is it legal???

Refers to UK

Yes its legal.

Email and CCTV monitoring
You should expect some monitoring at work by your employer 鈥?it鈥檚 necessary for them to carry out their health and safety duties. However, where monitoring involves taking data or images 鈥?like email and CCTV 鈥?this must be done in a way that鈥檚 lawful and fair to you.

The amount of monitoring should be clearly set out by your employer (eg in your contract or company handbook). If you鈥檙e under surveillance, this should be made clear. You should also be told what is a reasonable number of personal emails and phone calls in any given period or be told if they arte not allowed at all. Examples of surveillance can range from looking at which websites you have visited (eg to see if pornography has been downloaded) to checking your bag as you leave, to combat theft.

You have the right to keep your personal life private and to some privacy at work. This means you can鈥檛 be monitored everywhere (for example, in the toilet). If your employer doesn鈥檛 respect this they could be in breach of the Data Protection Act.

Under the Data Protection Act any monitoring must normally be open and there should be good reasons for your employer or others to do it. Your employer should carry out an assessment of its effects before allowing its use.

For my opinion it is not, that is an old type or form of management. If the bosses do not trust his subordinates, boss should tell them. Maybe on production departments CCTV can be installed pointing to machines or products. Production outputs are way to monitor for personnel.

I suggests a talk to him by all staff. Collect votes or comments.

It is legal because you are a paid employee. When you carry out work for an employer (particularly on business premises) he is entitled to monitor the work being carried out. Indeed he has obligations to ensure that the work is being carried out in a safe and proper manner.