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GMB Congress 2022 1 in 3 workers say surveillance by bosses has negative impact on mental health

ONE in three workers feel technological surveillance by bosses has a negative impact on their mental health, new GMB research has found. 

Artificial intelligence should be used to make working life easier for people, not trap them in an “Orwellian nightmare,” the general union warned today.

Its poll, released as GMB’s annual congress gets underway in Harrogate, reveals that more than 32 per cent of the 1,600 workers consulted are concerned about the impact of technology on their “sense of wellbeing” at work. 

Nearly a fifth — 18 per cent —  are worried technology will make their jobs obsolete in the next five years, while only about 23 per cent say it is improving their working life.

Nearly three-quarters — 72 per cent — do not understand how employers use the information they collect on staff. 

The union’s general secretary Gary Smith said: “Bosses are trying to play Big Brother and it’s got to stop.

“Technology should be used to ease workers’ burden, not trap them in an Orwellian nightmare.

“The results are clear — we need legislation to limit workplace monitoring.”

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