U.K. uses new technology to crack down on absenteeism
Firms in the United Kingdom are starting to use lie detectors to crack down on employees who falsely call in sick or try to claim benefits.
The voice-risk analysis technology analyses, in real time, changes in voice frequency and alerts a trained operator to responses that indicate a potential risk. The operators then assess “the relevance of the statement” and form a judgment of risk based on the technology and behavioural analysis skills.
“Importantly, the decision-making is always in the control of the operator and, ultimately, must be based on supporting evidence,” says a release from Capita Insurance, which provides the service.
The technique is now being introduced to control absenteeism, after trials on benefit cheats, and comes at a time when sickness levels in industry are estimated to cost the eco-nomy more than £13 billion ($32 bil-lion Cdn) a year, said the Daily Mail.
