One in three UK managers now actively monitor employees’ digital activity – up from one in five two years ago – as the government launches a consultation that could lead to sweeping new regulations on workplace surveillance.
The 2025 survey of managers, cited in the consultation document, underscores a rapid shift in workplace practice driven by the pandemic-era switch to homeworking. But the figures, published as the consultation opened on 8 July 2026, suggest uptake is accelerating faster than expected.
“UK consultation on workplace monitoring launched after survey shows 1 in 3 managers now track digital activity.”
The consultation, which closes on 30 September 2026, forms part of the government’s wider Make Work Pay agenda. It seeks views on whether additional regulation is needed to improve transparency, worker engagement and accountability when employers deploy tools such as algorithmic management systems, AI-enabled decision-making and traditional surveillance technologies.