Union demands answers after 'CCTV was used to listen to Dudley Council staff's conversations'

The claims have been made by trade union Unison, which is now demanding answers from bosses about possible breaches of workers’ privacy as well as data protection regulations.

The union says conversations between employees in the council’s children’s services department were recorded on CCTV cameras.

A statement from Unison which is also signed by Dudley’s Labour group of councillors as well as Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen Liberal Democrats calling for action was published on Facebook.

The statement said: “This would represent a breach of our members’ rights to privacy, and also of data protection legislation.

“We have written to several council managers, including the head of children’s services, the chief executive, and the leader of the council.

“Despite this, we are not satisfied that our members’ complaints are being taken seriously.”

Dudley Council says it became aware of the allegations in August and is working on a response.

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The council is aware of these concerns, which have been raised by a small number of employees.

“We are currently investigating this matter and following a meeting with Unison last month, we are now in the process of responding to subsequent correspondence.”

Unison says any employees whose conversations were recorded should be informed and offered support if they have been negatively impacted.

The union added: “Any unanswered communications from staff or trade unions should receive a reply, and the council should start an open and transparent dialogue with trade unions about how to resolve any data breach.

“We would like to be able to work with the council to deal with the effects of any misuse, and make sure that it does not happen again.

“Our members have a right to know that their privacy at work is protected."