NHS Grampian’s plan to install OccupEye cameras underneath employees’ desks as part of a four-week study beginning next week has been described as “Big Brother-style” spying.

The technology, which monitors whether or not staff are at their desks, has been previously removed from offices elsewhere, including The Daily Telegraph’s headquarters, after being heavily criticised.

The sensors, developed by Blackburn-based Cad-Capture, are used to detect the presence of employees by monitoring heat and motion.

Despite this, an NHS spokesperson said it would “absolutely not be used to spy on staff”.

Oppressive work environment

Big Brother Watch campaign group, however, accused NHS Grampian of creating an “oppressive work environment” that would “erode workers’ basic rights”.

A group spokesman said: “It is disturbing to see technological advances being used for workplace surveillance, especially in the public sector.

“This is likely to create an oppressive work environment where employees feel constantly and scrupulously monitored.

“Such intrusive surveillance has no place in the workplace and seriously risks eroding workers’ basic rights and we urge the NHS to carefully reconsider the appropriateness of this monitoring.”

The devices are due to be installed at NHS Grampian’s Ashgrove House, Summerfield House, Westholme, Foresterhill Lea and Foresterhill House offices.

Cad-Capture explained that the technology provides a dashboard, which shows when each desk is occupied and, in turn, can help companies save money by reducing their number of desks.

In an email to employees, NHS Grampian’s property and asset development manager, Gareth Evans, said: “These are not cameras, nor do they track or identify individuals.”

They do not record pictures or sound, he added, but will be used optimise how office space is being used.

Lewis Macdonald MSP said: “I would hope that before NHS Grampian implements this technology, there would be extensive consultation with trade unions.

“It is essential that the workforce has a say in this as if put in the wrong hands, it is very possible that staff could be made to feel like they are working in a very oppressive workplace.

“However, energy efficiency in the workplace is also very important, so a balance must be struck to ensure that this technology is used in the right way, and not in the wrong way.”