Intercepting e-mails

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 comes into force this

month. One of the areas it covers is the power of employers to intercept

employee e-mails and faxes and to record telephone conversations.

Following pressure from employers, the regulations which accompany the

Act are likely to make it clear that employers will be allowed to read

messages sent to employees while they are on holiday or off sick.

Normally employers cannot monitor staff e-mails or telephone calls

without their consent.