Data Protection & Privacy

• be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
• be held no longer than is necessary for the purpose for which they are held
• be accessible to individuals it concerns, who may, where appropriate correct or erase it
• be surrounded by proper security

These principles have particular application in the context of the employment relationship. You may only process data about an employee which is required for the management of the employment. This will be information obtained for payroll purposes, during appraisals and reviews, in disciplinary procedures, in connection with illness absences and so on. The processing of some data, known as sensitive personal data, requires the explicit consent of the employee.

Proper management of data requires that only accurate and up-to-date data about employees is retained, that this is kept confidential and that effective security is in place to ensure that it is not accidentally transferred or lost.

An employee has the right to see the information held about them and to complain to a court if this is inaccurate or otherwise not in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. This information could be used to challenge performance assessments or issues regarding pay and promotion.

Our solicitors can advise your company in all areas of data protection compliance.