56 employment
EMPLOYMENT LAW IN PRACTICE with
Doyle Clayton the employment solicitors
Protecting your employee data
Here’s a teaser: Apart from occupying seats on the front bench of the coalition government, what else do Vince Cable and Oliver Letwin have in common? Answer: They have both recently been somewhat carefree with other people’s personal information. In Vince Cable’s case, constituents’ personal information was found in his recycling bin, while Oliver Letwin was spied putting papers containing personal details of constituents and fellow MPs into a park bin.
As data controllers, employers have a duty to ensure they take appropriate technical and organisational steps to guard against unauthorised use or accidental loss of personal data. In an employment context, data protection security issues are paramount, since employee data is very often confidential or sensitive. Failure to dispose of personal data securely is a breach of one of the core data protection principles, which could lead to a complaint or a claim for damages from the individuals concerned and an investigation from the data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Heavy fines can be imposed for serious or persistent breaches.
When personal information is stored on the employer’s premises, careful consideration should be given to the security of the systems in place. Paper- based HR files should be kept under lock and key, and password protection applied to computerised files containing sensitive or confidential information. Training should be given to those who are responsible for handling personal data, so that they understand and minimise the risks attached to inappropriate disclosure and security failings.
www.businessmag.co.uk
people What’s in store for 2011? Movers and risers... Piers Leigh-Pollitt, partner
When it comes to disposal, employers should ensure that all confidential papers and any information containing personal data are disposed of securely. This will normally mean that paper based records should be bagged up and shredded by a reputable contractor. Archiving files should again be handled by a reputable contractor and questions should be asked of the storage facilities to ensure that they offer adequate security.
An appropriate policy should be put in place to deal with such matters, including the steps that should be taken by employees who take work home with them.
Regular items on the ICO website of the “named and shamed” involve the loss of memory sticks and laptops containing huge amounts of personal data, often unencrypted. Employers should avoid the embarrassment and potential liability to clients, customers and staff by reviewing their policies and procedures, auditing their normal practices and closing any gaps in security.
Piers Leigh-Pollitt is co-author of the Data Protection Act Explained.
Details: 0118-9596839
pleigh-pollitt@doyleclayton.co.uk www.doyleclayton.co.uk
• Blake Lapthorn has appointed Stephen Murfitt as its new chairman. He succeeds Jonathan Lloyd- Jones, who has been the chairman/senior partner at the firm since 2005 and has made a significant contribution to the firm’s direction and success, as well as building an excellent reputation in his specialist field of mediation. Previously head of the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution department for a decade and office senior partner at the firm’s Southampton office for two years, Murfitt has a strong track record for his contribution to the firm’s senior management
• Executive recruitment firm Archer Mathieson has appointed James Gherardi as a senior consultant in its supply chain and procurement practice, as the company continues to roll out its fast-paced growth strategy. He will divide his time between the firm’s Windsor headquarters and its recently opened London office. Previously at RK Supply Chain, Gherardi has five years of experience in recruiting managers for permanent and interim roles, primarily in the pharmaceutical, FMCG and medical devices sectors. Richard Wright, chief executive at Archer Mathieson, said:
• Josh Paxman is the new sales manager at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski Stadium. He joins the venue from Altitude London and has also previously worked at Epsom Downs Racecourse. “I am really looking forward to the challenge of heading up the sales team at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre. Wayne Spicer has done a fantastic job over the last 11 years and it is now for me to both continue the success that the venue is having as well as develop
team. As chairman, he has overall responsibility for ensuring Blake Lapthorn has a clear strategic direction, representing the firm externally and providing support for partners. He also has responsibility for leading the firm’s development of relationships with its clients.
“Career success in recruitment is a combination of who you know, sector knowledge and the right personal qualities. James stands out in all three areas. Having changed career tack from medicine he quickly re-established himself in recruitment, carving out a strong niche for himself in both retained search and interim management. So hiring James really strengthens our supply chain and procurement practice. An added bonus is that his international experience brings us new opportunities to exploit and fits with our strategy to increase Archer Mathieson’s European client base.”
its existing clients and new business.”
• If you wish to contact Paxman, his direct line at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre is 0118-9681135 and email: josh.
paxman@compass-group.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – DECEMBER11/JANUARY 12
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