Share your views: UK's data regulator consults on employment practices guidance

28th September 2021

Our ways of working have changed, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the constantly evolving role of technology. For many workers, the option of working from home for at least some of the working week is here to stay. How new technologies are used in the workplace context is a key consideration, for example the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on employers’ decision-making, or the deployment of software to monitor workers’ performance. There is a balance to be struck between the data privacy expectations of workers on the one hand, and the interests of employers in deciding how best to run their business on the other.

The UK’s data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, is asking a wide range of stakeholders to share their views as it looks to update its existing employment practices code and replace it with relevant and easily accessible online resources that reflect the way work has changed and address recent changes in data protection law. It wants to create practical employment guidance where personal data is used, that supports both employers and staff. The new guidance will cover topics including recruitment and selection, employment records, monitoring of workers, and information about their health. ‘Worker’ refers to employees, contractors, volunteers, gig and platform workers.

If you are interested in taking part in the survey, you can access the link here. Responses are requested by 21 October 2021.

If you have any queries about employment practices and data protection, or need advice or assistance in relation to the use of technology in the workplace, please get in touch with one of our specialists below.

You can access our Future World of Work hub here.