Staff monitoring is a particularly issue for managers  the only kind of staff monitoring not subject to regulation is where one individual watches another. Once any recording starts, even if it is manual, monitoring is subject to the Data Protection Act  employees need to be told about monitoring takes place and why. The information gathered has to be kept secure, and affected staffs have the right to see information related to them. Whilst a persons consent is not required, he or she must be consulted about the processing of personal information (monitoring data is construed as personal), and monitoring practices must not cause unnecessary stress. However, covert monitoring without consultation may be used, but only in particularly serious circumstances, such as when a staff member is suspected of dishonest. In such a case, the covert surveillance (e. g. hidden cameras) must be in targeted areas and at times when the dishonest behavior is expected; any other information must be disregarded.

Question: It is not possible to avoid the Data Protection Act when monitoring staff.
Options:
A. true, B. false, C. uncertain
Answer: "B"