what are the rules for random security check at work by law?
Posted by LinKorr@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 42 comments
What are the legal rules for random security checks at work? What can male security staff touch or see? When is same-gender security required? Our company is changing the rules, but just because it is a company rule does not mean it is normal that female staff are now obligated to show their period products in front of everybody. HR answered these women that it is normal, that these men are professionals, and that they can go with one of them to a private room as well. So is this ok by law, or can any company create their own rules and use them however they want?
QuirkyWolfie@reddit
I'm a bit sun drunk so maybe I'm not reading the post properly..
What exactly is it that's worrying you? That a man sees a tampon in a bag or that he's searching your things in general?
Or is work trying to make you all do a pat down?
Where I work we do random searches and it's done in clear view of a security camera or another coworker or both if requested.
We open up our bags and any pockets in the bag for a quick look, they don't have to take our bags we can hold them open we also empty our pockets and show any items taken out to whatever camera is closest.
No issues.
You've mentioned sanitary products but like I said my brain isn't working with me, are they looking for sanitary products being stolen or are you just shy?
If they are making you do a pat down or something then there's a problem
Tonybham01@reddit
Depends what is written in your works policies
Violet351@reddit
Unless they are checking them when you are using them, I don’t see the issue with them seeing unused ones in your bag
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
The check always happens before the lockers — no bags, just your pockets. You have to take everything out in front of all the people who are going to their break or going home. So everybody will know what kind of personal situation you have right now or what medicine you are taking. As a lot of people from different cultures work there, I don’t think everyone is comfortable seeing things that women normally use privately in the toilet behind a closed door.
TequilaMockingbirds8@reddit
I mean, is this any different than the bag checks that happen at a concert venue if you are carrying a bag? If they are security staff then it’s the same thing
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
I’ve never been to a venue — do you have to take it out in front of other people?
TequilaMockingbirds8@reddit
They usually poke about in your bag and if it’s too full might pull some things out - are the new rules saying you have to empty out your bag?
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
The check always happens before the lockers — no bags, just your pockets. You have to take everything out in front of all the people who are going to their break or going home. So everybody will know what kind of personal situation you have right now or what medicine you are taking. As a lot of people from different cultures work there, I don’t think everyone is comfortable seeing things that women normally use privately in the toilet behind a closed door.
Silver-Machine-3092@reddit
I worked in Debenhams in the 90s too, in the luggage department. Often had my bag searched on the way out.
I stole so many bags though...
TequilaMockingbirds8@reddit
lol - I worked in perfume and cosmetics and was like, why would I steal stuff to use later, I already smell like a tarts boudoir and am vaguely reminiscent of widow twanky.
WanderingAlbertRoss@reddit
What sort of workplaces are these where staff get security searched? I've heard of customers being searched but not staff.
Neddlings55@reddit
I worked in a garden centre about 25 years ago and locker, car and bag searches were standard.
I got a weird comment on my report for having an 'excessive amount of satsumas' in my locker.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
The check always happens before the lockers — no bags, just your pockets. You have to take everything out in front of all the people who are going to their break or going home. So everybody will know what kind of personal situation you have right now or what medicine you are taking. As a lot of people from different cultures work there, I don’t think everyone is comfortable seeing things that women normally use privately in the toilet behind a closed door.
Neddlings55@reddit
If its just pockets dont store personal items in them. Keep them in your bag.
They are giving the option to have it done in private so providing choice and the ability for people to keep things private.
Im sure those that are uncomfortable at seeing unused feminine hygiene products can survive. Maybe they can treat it like exposure therapy.
EngineersAnon@reddit
I don't know, of course, but I'd assume that meant the person searching had been advised that the reports they'd been submitting had been too bare-bones, and their superiors were concerned that their checks were perfunctory. So, they started adding a couple-few harmless "huh, that's odd" notes on every shift.
Neddlings55@reddit
Oh it was very much done in jest.
EddieCase67@reddit
It's normal in a warehouse setting.
Source: ex security at a warehouse. I had to search bags and people. Hated it!
JimmyHaggis@reddit
Agreed. I worked security at a supermarket depot/warehouse years ago and the staff hated us for it. These places have a high staff turnover rate and none of them ever understood that we had a job to do.
StGuthlac2025@reddit
many many places.
Maleficent-Win-6520@reddit
Check employment law. There is no way a man can check women’s bag without consent. No consent no search. The employer would be breaking the law.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
The issue is not that somebody can see period products. The issue is that rules suddenly changed and women are now expected to openly show personal items during random checks in front of everybody. Some people are comfortable with that, some are not. I just wanted to understand where the legal line is between a normal security check and personal privacy at work.
TequilaMockingbirds8@reddit
Put your tampon in your bra before the check if it bothers you. It’s not illegal as it’s no different than being asked to take a packet of tissues or hand cream out of your pockets. I know some people are more embarrassed about it but it’s still just a hygiene product. The law doesn’t take your personal embarrassment into account.
ParkerR666@reddit
You shouldn’t really have anything in your bag for work that you’d be embarrassed about people seeing. Who’s ’everybody’ anyway? Presumably you don’t have to empty your bag out and presumably nobody other than security cares so who’s actually seeing?
RealisticTeaching557@reddit
What a strange response. Where would you suggest keeping VITAL items like sanitary products or medication that some people might feel embarrassed to let all their colleagues know they take, if not in your bag?
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
It’s an open security area. There is always a crowd of employees around — it’s a very busy warehouse.
Neddlings55@reddit
Are they touching the actual person, or just looking through personal items like lockers and bags?
Menstrual products arent something people need to be getting embarrassed about.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
The check always happens before the lockers — no bags, just your pockets. You have to take everything out in front of all the people who are going to their break or going home.
OwnUse237@reddit
I used to have to do random searches as part of a previous job. No frisking involved just a random spot check where I asked to empty your pockets. Bags, lockers and cars could also be searched but I was just trying to hit the minimum I needed in a week so never went that far.
I’ve also worked places where being searched was mandatory before leaving site.
What is it you’re hiding from work?
good-SWAWDDy@reddit
I would definitely post this to the legal sub.
Reasonable-Key9235@reddit
Can’t see an issue in a bloke seeing your pack of sanitary towels. Go in a supermarket and there’s thousands on display.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
is that the same?
Reasonable-Key9235@reddit
Yeah, I think so. I’ll go buy sanitary products for my wife. I think men these days are fine with it
Classic-Wafer-7838@reddit
I don't know about the legalities, but I personally wouldn't mind a male security guard looking through my bag. I'd prefer not to be alone in a private room with one, though.
Training_Ad9049@reddit
If you are suspected by your management of wrong doing then a male security guard can search your personal bags & pat you down under observation. If the search has to go further, i.e under your coat, then you have to grant permission for the opposite sex to touch you. If you have nothing to hide then giving permission wouldn't be a problem. Also, check your contract & other company policies. You'll find most companies reserve the right to search bags/lockers, do spot alcohol & drug tests. Reading the panic in your typing I would suggest that you stop what you are doing or going to do! This is U.K based.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
Nope, the security checks are random because of the red light... the warehouse only uses big boxes and big items. I have no idea what I could steal there, or what anyone else could steal.
emgeehammer@reddit
Probably better suited for r/LegalAdviceUK but, generally speaking, anything you bring into a workplace can be searched. Your possessions have no “expectation of privacy.” Things get murkier if they’re asking to pat you down, but my layman’s understanding is they can absolutely look through your bag without concern.
LinKorr@reddit (OP)
So why do airports have separate lines for men and women then? Is it considered something different there, where people deserve more privacy and respect?
Lunaspoona@reddit
It's perfectly normal for companies to check bags. The question is why are they doing it in front of everyone? Are they holding up period products high into the light and announcing what it is or something? The only real complaint you would have is to ask them to do it discreetly.
newtobitcoin111@reddit
Girl unless they are inspecting it while being used I don't see the issue
Appropriate_Wave722@reddit
I would think it very suspicious if someone kicked up a fuss about a security check because a man might see some sanitary towels. I would advise you just go ahead with it without any further fuss and keep your weed in your knickers / socks
MaybeThisTime67@reddit
Just don't steal shit and you've got nothing to worry about
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