It is not unusual these days when telephoning businesses to be greeted by a ‘legal’ message about quality control or training purposes. 

Businesses can monitor phone calls/emails but only for limited reasons.  The main ones are:

-          recording evidence as a business transaction

-          ensuring compliance with legislation

-          checking quality standards eg for staff training

-          prevention and detection of crime

An interception of employee’s communication must be proportionate and comply with Data Protection principles.  General targeted snooping on private communications is not allowed.