Hi Roger

I think the first thing you need to draw their attention to is the Data Protection Act 1998, closely followed by the Human Rights Act 1988.  You may want to do an internet search for some examples of e-mail policy as these are usually written to establish the boundaries of the employer/employee's rights and responsibilities.

The Information Commissioner's Office used to have a code of practice on 'Monitoring in the Workplace' which summarised the issues but I think it has been withdrawn now but you could check the website for other useful guidance: www.ico.gov.uk

I'm sure there'll be plenty of other feedback on this issue for you, good luck in explaining to the IT dept what they have done.

Regards

Suzy


Suzy Taylor
Records Manager
New College Durham
Framwellgate Moor
Durham
DH1 5ES

Tel: 0191 375 4422
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

>>> "Gajadhar, Roger" <[log in to unmask]> 05/23/06 09:09am >>>
I would like to get your views on the following, I was sure that there
was an EU Directive guiding this
 
Our company had just implemented an It Usage Policy and as part of the
monitoring process for this policy they specifically state that they
will be
 
1    randomly opening employees Emails or listening to their voice
messages
2    Using automated checking software to collect information about
employees#
3    Examining logs of websites visited.
4    Keeping records of telephone calls, also listening to some of the
conversation.
 
the important thing to note is that it specifically states that this
will be done without the employees prior approval and or knowledge.
 
Your thoughts please
 

Roger Gajadhar

London Region Records Manager


 


DAVIS LANGDON LLP


MidCity Place

71 High Holborn

London

WC1V 6QS

 

Main Tel: +44 (0) 20 7061 7000

Direct Tel: +44 (0) 20 7061 7626

Fax: +44 (0) 870 048 6303

Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:*@davislangdon.com> 

Web: www.davislangdon.com <http://www.davislangdon.com/>

 


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