Covert recording caught cleaners looting aircraft - Alan Lewis comments in People Management

Ten aircraft cleaners at Manchester Airport were caught stealing €1,290 worth of alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume from Aer Lingus planes after the airline installed covert CCTV to investigate stock losses. All ten were sentenced to community service.

The surveillance in this case led to convictions but hidden surveillance is not without legal risk as employers must ensure that any surveillance undertaken is GDPR-compliant.

Even with strong evidence against an employee, fair disciplinary processes are essential. Alan Lewis comments to People Management: "Ensuring staff understand which types of misconduct classify as gross misconduct and the relevant sanctions is also important".

“Employees should also be encouraged to report wrongdoing – and given training on whistleblowing procedures".

Read the full piece here.