UK government could force bosses to consult employees before rolling out worker surveillance tools

The UK government is currently seeking input on the implementation of workplace monitoring technologies, with a particular focus on employer consultation before rolling out such tools. This consultation, part of the Make Work Pay strategy, aims to determine whether existing rules covering biometric surveillance, keystroke logging, and productivity scoring are sufficient or if more stringent measures are required.

The Department for Business and Trade is looking into whether non-statutory guidance, a formal code of practice, or a legal framework is necessary for monitoring practices, including AI-assisted monitoring. The consultation, which closes on September 30, 2026, encompasses various forms of workplace monitoring, such as email and web tracking, keystroke logging, screen and app monitoring, GPS tracking for mobile workers, and biometric access controls.

The initiative also considers the role of artificial intelligence in monitoring, alongside other emerging practices like automated decision-making and algorithmic management. While the consultation acknowledges the importance of AI in the government's economic strategy, it also emphasizes the need to balance technological advancement with privacy and ethical concerns.

Employers will need to navigate the potential regulatory requirements, which could include new statutory policies governing workplace monitoring technologies.