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ARTICLE · 22 NOVEMBER 2011

Recordings Are Forever

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In 1971 when Q kitted out 007 with a voice algorithm recorder, Bond was well ahead of his time.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Meriel Schindler
Meriel Schindler
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In 1971 when Q kitted out 007 with a voice algorithm recorder, Bond was well ahead of his time. But 40 years after the release of 'Diamonds are forever', it is commonplace for employees to use iPhones and BlackBerries to record both formal meetings and even casual conversations. Employers have been slow to protect themselves against this and many are being caught out.

From the employee's perspective, this is a legitimate and easy way of gathering crucial evidence for employment tribunal proceedings which may otherwise be lost. From an employer's perspective, the use of covert recording equipment will feel like a gross breach of trust and confidence. But knee-jerk responses are generally inadvisable.

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