The Data Protection Act: are you complying?

Small and medium-sized businesses have a much lower awareness of the principles of the Data Protection Act than larger organisations, according to research commissioned by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
 
Most businesses know that complying with the Data Protection Act makes good business sense: 94% believe the Act is needed. The key principles of the Act include ensuring personal information is held securely, that it is accurate and up-to-date and that it is used for purposes that people have been told about. 

The Data Protection Act applies to:

• information about job applicants, e.g. application forms and CVs;
• employment records
• information you collect when monitoring employees; and
• information about workers’ health.

In addition, employees have a legal right of access to information employers hold on them.

Failure to comply with the Data Protection Act can lead to a number of penalties and in some situations, prosecution.

Recrion partners with employment lawyers whose expert guidance will be able to lead you through the data protection mine field.

Call Katherine Wiid, Director of Recrion, on 01780 484910 or visit www.recrion.co.uk.