Recording a conversation at work, is it legal?

[lawquestions]

Hello


I would be very grateful if you could please explain to me the uk law on recording a face to face conversation or meeting in the work place?

Could I record a conversation with out the other person knowing, and if latter they lied about what was said, could I transcribe the recording onto paper and if they still disputed the information, could I then use the recording as evidence?

If I had a witness in the room who knew I was recording, would this also be legal?


Thanks
Gary.

[JustSia]

You can record it without the consent but you can get into trouble and you won't be able to use it as any kind of evidence. Couldn't quote any laws but am sure someone will find some for you.

[JRB]

Yes, you could use the recording to help you remember what was said but it would have no standing in law. Even the police must inform anyone they question that the conversation is being recorded and 2 copies of the tape are mad.

[Ngllewis]

Nice idea but your recording would not be admissable in court because there are very strict guidlines about recordings, the storage of the tape, date / time stamping etc. How would you go about proving that the voice on the tape is the voice of the person you state you have recorded?
The best solution is to have a witness with you and directly after the meeting both write up a statement - independently, signed by yourselves. If it is that important you can pay a solicitor to listen to you swear pn oath in his office. You then have an exhibit that could be brought to court.
Recording people is a tricky situation and requires specialist equipment to get a clear, uninterupted recording.

[Memore]

you cannot record a conversation at work without advising them first - you would certainly not be able to use it as evidence in any meetings later = if you want to record meetings you should just minute them and let the person have a copy and agree the minutes and sign them. it would probably be a disciplinary offence to record a conversation without telling the person it would be where I work and i think in most places