UNISON Raises Alarm Over Plan to Record Workers and Residents All Day

Barnet UNISON has raised serious concerns about a new requirement for parking enforcement staff to wear body-worn cameras that are switched on for the entire duration of their shifts.

The change, reportedly requested by senior officers at Barnet Council and being implemented by private contractor APCOA, marks a significant departure from the current practice — where body cameras are only activated when a Penalty Charge Notice is issued.

John Burgess, Branch Secretary of Barnet UNISON, said:

“We are deeply concerned about the impact this could have on our members’ right to privacy at work — as well as on the rights of Barnet residents, including children and vulnerable people, who may be filmed without their knowledge or consent.

We believe this change is excessive and disproportionate, and we’ve asked for an urgent explanation from both APCOA and Barnet Council. We are still waiting for a response.”

UNISON recognises that body-worn cameras can play a role in supporting staff safety in certain situations. However, blanket surveillance throughout an entire shift risks creating a culture of mistrust and surveillance, without evidence that it improves outcomes.

The union has now launched a consultation with its members on the contract to seek their views on the change.

“We want to hear directly from the staff affected. We’ve launched a confidential survey asking if they support having the camera on all day — and if they’d be prepared to take further action if this policy is forced through without proper consultation,” said Burgess.

UNISON has called on both APCOA and Barnet Council to pause implementation of the policy until full consultation has taken place and the privacy and data protection implications have been properly addressed.

Notes to editors:

• UNISON is the recognised trade union for parking enforcement officers in Barnet.
• TUPE consultation is legally required when contracts are transferred between employers.
• The proposed change in camera usage was raised less than four weeks before the planned contract handover on 1 November 2025.

 

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