Black workers in the U.K. are disproportionately exposed to surveillance and algorithmic management technologies in the workplace, according to new findings from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).Â
The study exposed how certain job sectors — particularly those involving low autonomy, lower skill requirements, and lacking union representation — are more likely to adopt intrusive monitoring tools. Retail and similar industries are among the most affected.
Due to their overrepresentation in these roles, Black workers are at higher risk of being monitored through technologies such as facial recognition, biometric tracking, and software that monitors keystrokes or emotional states. Data show that 26% of Black workers occupy low-autonomy positions, 42% are in low-skill roles, and 73% are not part of a trade union — factors that increase vulnerability to surveillance.
The report also identifies young workers (aged 16–29) and older workers (over 60) as more likely to be employed in high-surveillance roles compared to those aged 30–59.
Researchers warn that unequal exposure to monitoring could worsen existing inequalities in the labor market and negatively impact workers’ rights and wellbeing. They argue that the rapid deployment of surveillance tools often occurs without employee consent or oversight.
In response, the IPPR is urging the U.K. government to introduce robust legal protections. Key recommendations include mandatory consultation with workers before implementing surveillance technologies, including surveillance as a topic for collective bargaining, enforcing data transparency from employers, and establishing strong enforcement mechanisms such as tribunal access and financial penalties for non-compliance.
The report calls for urgent legislative action to prevent new technologies from deepening labor market disparities and to ensure all workers have meaningful input into how they are monitored and managed.
