Union keeps up pressure on Dudley Council about CCTV complaints
Trade union UNISON is keeping up pressure on Dudley Council to come clean about an investigation into alleged CCTV snooping.
The allegations relate to 13 cameras at a council site which were recording sound as well as images between March 2024 and March 2025.
The recording of sound is believed to have been due to a defect or an error but by January 2025 it is alleged a manager was using recordings of conversations against staff.
The union claims workers have yet to be provided with any official explanations despite claims by the council it is being transparent.
UNISON spokesperson Paul Quigley said: “Both in the breach itself, but also in the continuing failure to be honest with those affected, the council’s response has destroyed any trust employees might have had”.
The matter was escalated to UNISON who raised data protection concerns in June 2025.
The council engaged an independent investigator to look into the allegations and sources at the authority say the inquiry is expected to be completed in December.
Councillor Wayne Little, Dudley 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, we are now in the process of responding to subsequent correspondence.”
Lib Dem councillor Andrew Tromans agreed with the union. He said: “The council needs to come clean about the extent of the data breach and, as a start, apologise to those who have had their privacy invaded.
“There have been failings throughout this shabby affair with far too much concern for the reputation of the council and too little for doing the right thing.”
UNISON is also calling for a review of all the CCTV systems in Dudley Council workplaces.
The union worries if this malpractice could be allowed to continue for so long in one part of the council, then it brings into question how well other systems are being regulated.
