1) With any consideration of employer/employee relations, you need to
consult the Draft Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner. Amongst
other things, it sets out guidance on employee monitoring. However, the
use of finger print recognition is not covered! The general Standards on
pg. 26 of the Draft may provide a clue to the answer. (I don't know what
the deadline is on comments about the Draft but if anybody has some - get
in quick!) Tim's example is actually all about establishing your identity
with your employee. It is an extension of the use of ID cards. As such,
it is arguably a legitimate business use. Finger print recognition can be
used for all employees for entry to the premises or could be used to
better protect a key high security area, e.g. the main computer suite.
2) On the use of finger print recognition, the BBC created an interesting
experiment last year on one of Sue Lawley's crime programmes. They
installed a test rig in a Manchester shopping centre and asked shoppers to
try out finger print recognition and smart cards. There was general
reluctance to use the finger print option as it was laden with criminal
investigation overtones. On the other hand, a smart card was voted "best
buy" by the consumers. Tim has not given full details of the hypothetical
problem but I suspect the company concerned already uses company ID cards
for all its employees. If so, the better option for employee relationships
will be to expand the ID card system they all know and love. Technically a
smart card (or even a swipe card) is no different to install and manage.
Smart cards are now down to £10 each for simple ones. The only advantage
finger prints have is that you cannot easily lose one or leave it at home!
Roger Cook
________________________________________________________________________
The information in this email (and any attachment) may be for the
intended recipient only. If you know you are not the intended recipient,
please do not use or disclose the information in any way and please
delete this email (and any attachment) from your system.
________________________________________________________________________
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|