Personal Possessions in the Workplace

Originally written by Matthew Strawbridge, updated by the editorial team on 9th May 2026

It is natural to want to bring items from home into your workplace. A potted plant on the desk, a few magazines in the drawer, a packet of sweets, a CD or two: these things help personalise a working environment and make the day feel a little more comfortable. Most of what people bring in is harmless. Some of it can quietly put your privacy at risk if you are not careful, and that is what this article is about.

Think for a moment about the items you have brought to work in the past month. A credit card bill you meant to pay over the phone at lunchtime. A letter from your GP. A spare set of house keys you forgot to take out of your bag. Each of these, left on a desk or in an unlocked drawer, can give a colleague, a cleaner, a contractor or a passing visitor more information about you than you would ever willingly share.

Your first line of defence

The simplest protection is to leave personal items at home wherever you can. Some things genuinely do need to come with you, but plenty of items end up in a bag out of habit rather than necessity. Before you set off in the morning, ask whether what you are carrying contains your home address, your phone number, financial details, a PIN or a password. If so, there is usually a better place for it than your desk drawer.

Where you do need to bring something personal to work, plan how you are going to keep it out of sight. A locked drawer or locker is far better than the top of a desk or the inside of a coat pocket hung in a shared cloakroom. If your employer provides lockers, use them. If not, it is reasonable to ask whether secure storage can be made available, particularly in workplaces with a lot of foot traffic.

Items that can compromise your privacy

The following are the kinds of things worth being careful with:

bank statements and other financial correspondence, which carry account numbers and sort codes
credit card bills, which often include long reference numbers a fraudster can use
keys to your home or car, especially if kept with anything showing your address
medical paperwork, test results and prescriptions, which reveal health information you may prefer to keep private
payslips, P60s and appraisal forms, which show salary and personal circumstances
passports, driving licences and other identity documents
diaries, notebooks and personal letters
mobile phones, USB sticks and personal laptops, which can hold large quantities of data on a single device
photographs of family members, particularly children, which can identify them by name and age

None of these items is dangerous in itself. The problem is the information attached to them. A discarded bank statement gives someone your account number, sort code and a sample of your signature. A prescription gives away medical details. A photograph on your desk can tell a stranger the names and ages of your children.

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Practical steps you can take

Carry personal paperwork between home and work in a sealed envelope or folder rather than loose. Dispose of anything sensitive through a shredder rather than the office recycling bin, which is not a safe place for documents with your details on.

Make personal calls about money, health or family matters away from your desk. Step outside, use a quiet meeting room or wait until you are off the premises. Reading out a long card number across an open plan office is rarely a good idea, regardless of who you think is listening.

Lock your phone. A handset left unlocked on a desk gives anyone walking past access to your contacts, your messages, your banking apps and often your email. Set a PIN or biometric lock and use it. The same applies to personal laptops or tablets you bring in for the commute.

Under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, your employer has obligations around how it handles your personal information at work. Those rules apply to data the employer holds about you, but they are a useful reminder that personal data has legal weight, and treating your own paperwork with care is part of the same picture.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Can your employer search you or your belongings?

There is no general right for an employer to search an employee or their possessions. A search can usually only take place where there is a clear contractual basis for it, normally written into your contract of employment, a staff handbook or a workplace policy that you have been made aware of. Random searches in particular need to be set out clearly and agreed in advance. The policy should explain when a search may happen, how it will be conducted and what your rights are during it.

Even where such a policy exists, a search will usually require your consent at the time. You can refuse, although refusing may have consequences under your employer's disciplinary procedure if the policy has been properly communicated, and it may also affect the working relationship even where the refusal is lawful. Searches should be carried out in private, by someone of the same sex where appropriate, and ideally with a witness present. Employers in retail, warehousing and similar sectors are more likely to have these arrangements in place than office employers.

If a crime is suspected, that is a separate matter. Only the police have powers of search and arrest, and they generally need a warrant or reasonable grounds to suspect an offence before exercising those powers, with stop and search governed by specific legislation. An employer who believes a theft has taken place can call the police, but they cannot detain you or force you to open your bag.

Bag and locker checks should not be used as a fishing exercise into your private life. The purpose of any search policy is normally to protect company property, not to discover what you have brought from home. If you feel a search has been carried out unfairly, or that personal information has been looked at when it had no bearing on the employer's concerns, you can raise a grievance through your workplace procedure. ACAS offers free guidance on grievances and workplace disputes through its helpline and website. The Information Commissioner's Office deals with complaints where personal data has been mishandled, for example if records of a search were kept and shared without a proper basis.

A sensible balance

Bringing some personal items to work is part of normal life and there is no reason to feel paranoid about it. The point is simply to be selective. Most privacy problems at work do not come from deliberate snooping. They come from paperwork left on a desk overnight, a phone left unlocked at lunchtime, or a bag tipped over in the corridor. A little thought before you leave the house is usually all it takes.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Workplace Privacy Checker lets you describe what your employer is monitoring or asking for and find out whether it is lawful under UK privacy and data protection law. Try it now →

155 questions

Ask Employee Privacy Rights a Question

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 13/06/2026 at 10:51 am

@Ramo You're right to feel uneasy. In the UK, employers can usually only search lockers or bags if it's set out in your contract or staff handbook, and best practice is that you should be present and a witness should be there too. Have a look at your contract for a search policy, and raise it formally with HR in writing. If nothing's documented, they've likely overstepped, and a union or ACAS can advise on next steps.

Ramo 13/06/2026 at 10:47 am

Hello,
I catch security checking the locker at my workplace’s ,going through my bag, my personal belongings. I asked her what she’s doing I told me I can ask in the office and I supposed not to see that. When I asked the chef security what’s going on he told me it’s a random check. Later find out they are doing an investigation for theft that happened in the hotel. It’s normal for a security to go through your personal belongings, bag without your consent? And without any witnesses? They can place whatever they want in the locker and just leave it there. I just feel very uncomfortable and disappointed at this point. Knowing that someone just searched my bag without my permission feels so wrong.
Thank you

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 18/05/2026 at 9:18 am

@Shell That's a really rotten thing to do, especially given the level of responsibility you carry there. Legally your boss is on shaky ground; searching personal belongings without consent or a clear policy in your contract could breach your right to privacy under the Human Rights Act and data protection rules. I'd put your concerns in writing to him, ask why it was done and request it doesn't happen again, then keep a copy. If you want to take it further, ACAS (0300 123 1100) can talk you through a formal grievance.

Shell 04/10/2025 at 10:56 am

Hi, I work in a shop im currently the supervisor, my boss has had some idea somebody has been taking stuff from the shop,I left my handbag and shopping behind the till whilst I did my final checks in the shop but was completely unaware that whilst I was doing this my boss went through my bags I was told by a member of staff the following day,im so angry right now and am currently looking for another job but im stuck there until I find something else,I feel like I've been violated, I thought we had a great trust basis I run the shop I deal with all the money I hold the keys for what? For him.to go down my personal stuff! What can I do about this?

Kit 24/09/2024 at 7:37 pm

My son had items missing from his desk and his issued equipment replaced with broken equipment. He brought in a camera from home to 'catch the thief.' The thief saw there was a camera at his desk, reported it to upper echelon and it was removed and viewed without his consent. He was arrested for invasion of privacy of something other than what had occurred at work; something he forgot was even on the equipment. He was never asked for his consent to take his personal property and view it and he has been charged, was incarcerated and is awaiting trial on what is now termed invasion of privacy of what he had filmed at his home to catch his 19-y/o stepdaughter sharing marijuana with her 15 y/o sister.

ESAD757 05/09/2023 at 2:44 pm

Hi.
I was wrongly dismissed and am in the process of employment tribunal. My locker which was in a police station has been accessed without my presence or permission and all my personal belongings and paperwork has been removed.
Is the company allowed to remove my stuff without my permission. I offered to make myself present to empty the lockers but the company refused.

Sars 31/03/2023 at 8:50 am

workbooks are available to all at work to write down any notes on information and anything you need to put on there related to work. Mine has my name on the front and the other day I was pulled into the office as the manager had received information (and actually I found out had been handed my book by an unknown person )with information on the job, My notes on the work I was doing, but I also had notes in there which -was what the meeting was about -over the quality Person not doing their work properly which it is well known they don’t and other information which were complaints which we are all able to give and I was told off about this information, and if there was any proof that this quality person was not doing their work when in actual fact, this is a big problem at the moment and HR are aware of this so was that looking into my private property? where do I stand on this?

Anja73 17/03/2023 at 9:53 pm

So, I left my chilli's thermal water flask on my desk next to my coffee cup ad a plastic bought bottle of water.
I then unfortunately fell ill and was on long term sickleave.
Upon agreeing with my now former employer to resign and agree on a date to collect my personal belongings, I found that my thermal flask is missing.
They say they can't find it and neither will they give me the money to replace it.
All they offered is one of their cheap tacky branded company logo flasks, which I feel is not an adequate replacement for my chilli's flask retailing at approx £30-£40.
What can I do? What are my rights in this matter? Thanks.

What will be 29/06/2021 at 3:00 pm

So I left my dairy at somewhere at work one day and as I was at work I wasn't to concerned I knew it would be around somewhere, and I'd find it before I left.

I can't remember but either the next day or the day after my manager calls me in for a random meeting and in the meeting was other senior staff, I was totally blindsided but I wasn't thinking anything of it.

So as I sit down and we go through all. The formalities, she's out my dairy on the table and asked do I know what this is ???????

As we're leaving the meeting I see photo copy's of my dairy in her files

My dairy is clear labelled inside with my name.

Was any of that legal at all?

Why me 19/04/2021 at 12:00 pm

Somebody has been going through my handbag at work , taking all my pens apart ,god knows why , nothing has been stolen but it's been going on for ages , my bag is kept in a drawer with other people's bags .it only ever happens on a Monday . What action can I take please ?

dd 03/11/2020 at 8:13 pm

SO my employer used my drivers license to see if i was registered to vote... is this criminal?

Mollysmum 23/09/2020 at 12:04 pm

I've just gone to my locked locker to get out the breakfast cereal I put in there yesterday,along with two other full boxes and six pks of snack chews for my breaks. Our café still hasn't opened so I'm having to bring my own vegetarian food in. I have an absorption issue so have to split my unpaid HR break into chunks so I can take in sml amounts of nutrition. When I went to get my cereal our for my brekkie everything had gone from my locker. It's locked and in a locked room that only one evening staff member would have the key for,is this a criminal offence and can I sue her in sml claims court for my food back,it amounted to £68? I'm on a low income and this was to last me at work for the next few months

Poison 17/09/2020 at 2:18 am

Why did you have Soda in a container Not a bottle

Poison 17/09/2020 at 2:00 am

If you did not label the drawers private they can because they own the desk.

Help required 08/08/2020 at 1:28 pm

I was put on furlough in April, and I’m still on furlough. But before I left the office I put all my personal belongings in my desk drawers and locked them. Following on from a meeting I had in the office a couple of weeks ago, I went to my desk to get a few bits out that I wanted at home to find that someone (either my manager or a co worker) had broken the lock to my drawers and gone through them, I was not aware that this had happened. Is this allowed, is it legal?
Also spoke to another co worker who had said they had left me a note In My drawers as he had “borrowed” some change from my drawers and a pen! Again people are going through my drawers which have personal belongings in, and we’re originally locked at no point have I been asked or notified that my drawers needed to be open and i was not present.

Mrb 13/07/2020 at 7:07 pm

Yesterday at work after finishing my morning break and by company policy went through security no problem.Then a member said I had to empty the contents of my flask into a plastic container because they could not see the bottom of my flask to be sure I wasn’t ,for a better word stealing stock.I told them I was not prepared to do this as then I would not have a drink for my second break in the afternoon.I was told to read an a4 piece of paper hung up on the wall with the policies of the company, the policy reads your are not allowed to take food/drink out of the canteen area unless it is in a sealed container and only to go back to the locker room, I told them this is what I’m doing, security argued with me saying that my flask is not a sealed unit, I disagreed with them and turned my flask upside down and said if that was not sealed the liquid would leak all over. Again security was arguing with me and his manner was very poor towards me and talking down to me.When he asked me for my works I.d. card I refused to give it to him because I did not want to have any dealings with him,he called another security member and happily gave him my card for them to take my details.Today in work I had to go into an investigation with security regarding the matter and after taken statements I was told that all the paperwork will be given to h.r. and they will see what actions are taken next.I feel I have done nothing wrong and still today security are claiming my flask is not sealed.
Where do I go from here if I get reprimanded over this as I find this a very poor matter of affairs
Thank you
Paul

Miss K 19/06/2020 at 6:23 am

My office is practically reopening in mid-July although I will continue to work from home. In order to create a safe environment for those who will be in the office, my desk will be assigned to someone else. My boss will not allow me or colleagues to go in and collect my possessions, but says that either she or HR will do so. Other employees have been working in the office indicating there is no health risk. I would like 10 minutes to collect my possessions, and bring them home. I do not like the idea of HR or my boss rifling through my possessions. While I have nothing to hide, I do not understand why I am not allowed brief access, when clearly other people are already there. Thank you for your guidance. I have read this thread and appreciate all the advice you have been dispensing.

Steve75 26/02/2020 at 8:41 am

My workplace (a window blind shop/manufacturer) has a no mobile phone use during work rule. We are not provided any personal secure lockers so most staff keep their phones in their pocket. Naturally some have responded occasional messages etc but never any excessive or disruptive use of phones during work. We were recently told we must place our phones in a filling cabinet that is locked by our manager and unlocked during breaks, lunch and end of day. All staff have access to this cabinet during the unlocked periods meaning any phone can be picked up by any member of staff during these periods. Although phones do have various security measures I don't feel comfortable leaving my phone that contains sensitive information, banking details and the likes at risk like this. Should my employer provide individual lockers for personal items like this. I feel this is in effect a breech of personal privacy / security having to place my phone in this non private non secure cabinet.

Angel 03/02/2020 at 3:25 am

I was questioned by a lead if I was drinking alcohol on the premises I told him no I was told that I would have to go down and take a breathalyzer they took a container that I had soda in and kept it take me to the Work Med to be tested for alcohol as well as tested me for drugs both tests were 100% clean and when I asked for them to give me my container back I was told that I had to wait till the next business day to get it from our supervisor the supervisor has been notified that my test came up negative and still refuses to return my property as well as on the drug test reasons it was put down as a post-accident there was no accident involved it was hearsay. It was not fired and was told to return to work on my next working day and then I could come in I retrieve my personal belongings from the supervisor the next day I feel that this company had no right to keep my personal belongings once I've proven that I was not under the influence whatsoever at all I don't feel that he has the legal right to hold my stuff

Rhi 01/01/2020 at 6:21 pm

The general manager at my workplace (I work in retail/entertainment) has banned everyone from going into the staff room (if you can even call it that, it's basically just a small room under the stairs) as certain members of staff kept leaving it messy. Meaning they've taken the lockers out and put them in the managers office. The office has a codes door that only the managers know, so no other member of staff can get in to retrieve they're belongings without a manager to open the door for them. Also the lockers a tiny and can't even fit a back pack in and we've been told to not being in anything that doesn't fit in the locker, (also meaning if I need to buy essentials on my break, I'm unable to actually store them safely). Is this even allowed??? Also we've got nowhere to hang coats up either.

Dani 16/12/2019 at 12:37 pm

While at work my wife's purse was placed by her in a company provided locker... At the end of my shift I was given permission from my wife to remove the purse from the locker and take it in the bathroom where I could count the money she had placed inside her purse without prying eyes of other on me plus I had to perform excrement in the facilities at the same time... upon completing the requested task I place the purse back in my wife's locker ... Then about ten minutes later our boss comes and request us to the back dinningroom at which time he presented one of my wife's un=used insulin syringes while simultaneously accusing me and my wife of criminal drug use in front of another manager.... His statements were quick and very incorrect jugements that had no place being made in the workplace... Do we have a deformation case?

Bubbles 09/09/2019 at 7:35 am

I am a delivery van driver and have a bag with my lunch coat wet weather gear and sanitary products in amongst other things. My employer are now saying I have to use a mesh bag that they can see inside of. Legally do I have to use this bag as customers will then see my personal things or can i carry on using my rucksack. Thsnks

Apple 01/08/2019 at 8:48 pm

I thank lots of medication from the doctor and I work in a care home there is no lockers for domestics ( me) and others. What should I do.

Arnold 18/07/2019 at 9:22 pm

Whilst suspended from work my.employer has searched the cab of my van which is ok with me, however they also searched thriugh my personal clothing in the van without me there or my permission. Is this legal?

Bbs 22/05/2019 at 5:32 pm

Hi .my work place has decided to lock the staff room to keep staff out when not on dinners. They do provide a locker for all staff but have decided to lock the full staff room.. If we need to get into the room we have to go and ask for the key to open the door.
Please could you advise.. Is this allowed?

Thank you bbs

mrtee 19/01/2019 at 11:38 pm

my employer has disclosed my email address to other collegues is that a breach of data protection please can you advise

Anas7asia 20/09/2018 at 7:01 pm

At my workplace they don't allow us to keep our valuables on us so they provided us with lockers. Today someone broke into my locker and stole my phone and some money. They searched everyone but not their cars, it was reported at the police as well but no luck. The manager says there is nothing more they can do. Is that legal? Since they are making us locking our things in there shouldn't they be responsible for them?

Potter 14/09/2018 at 4:05 pm

While i have been off sick my boss has "sorted through" all of my personal resources and materials in my classroom. Several have been removed from my room to shared storage areas. I was never asked if this was ok, or notified that it would be happening. Is this legal? These are items and paperwork which are my personal property.

Annie Editor 13/07/2018 at 12:56 pm

@Vik - You don't really have any rights regarding this apart from complaining to your boss's line manager regarding her treatment of you.

Vik 13/07/2018 at 7:26 am

I have my own notebook which I bought when I start to work. My notes like how you do thinks on excel or how you use an account program. I have only a couple of pages which show our supplier and one page was on my languae some recipes.Firstly she made a comment that these are not a words. As I am leaving today and my boss yesterday wanted to take my notebook. I told her that is mine. She said I can not take anything from the office. Without my permission she went thru my notebook and rip out all pages. Has she had right to do this and what is my right?

Em 21/06/2018 at 10:53 am

Is a manager allowed to go through lockers without any notification, our consent or witness present?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 12/06/2018 at 1:50 pm

If you have filed a grievance, Mediation is when an independent, impartial third party discusses a problem with you and your employer (or between you and another employee) to try and find a solution. It’s often used after informal discussions haven’t solved the issue.

Dream 11/06/2018 at 8:50 pm

If I discover pictures on my phone that I didn't take while my phone was on my desk and find out after filing a complaint with HR I find out it was my executive manager what are my rights?

DJ117 02/06/2018 at 3:05 pm

My sore is closing and there selling the lockers on one of my days off my am broke into my locker to move them does he have the right to do this

Finn 30/05/2018 at 8:39 pm

I have a personal diary from 2016 in my tray at work(it has my name on it) that has my personal user names n passwords in ..my direct manager has gone through it and found a swear word in it as my password and taken it to do an investigation and a disiplinary on me..Does she have that right as it is my personal diary in my personal tray.. .she also knew it was my diary ..

Babybodri 30/05/2018 at 8:30 pm

I have a question about in my workplace every single day we going true security search on private car. Is there any low what say what is legal to do by security ? Because they keep touch and open our car and we have to step back and watch :/ I'm not happy about it .even they open offen the boot of my car where is the car enginee :(

Phil 23/05/2018 at 8:35 pm

I left my personal mobile on the office desk and another manager as claimed they have looked at my mobile and accused me of recording her, which is untrue. Can this be classed as an invasion of privacy for looking at my mobile. This seems so wrong

Ruthi Editor 21/05/2018 at 1:59 pm

@Sammy - if your manager insists, then even if it is not company policy you kind of have to do what your manager says. Presumably it will be for a valid reason.

Sammy 18/05/2018 at 6:28 pm

Can my manager make me put my belongings in a locked locker even if its NOT company policy. I work in a retail store. Thanks

Frustrated 04/05/2018 at 6:27 pm

I have a locker at my work place that I had left some empty pop bottles in and forgot to take them home, now we did sign a letter saying they would be taken home everyday but had a lot of things going on and forgot them. I had a day off work and when I came back my locker was gone through and the bottles were taken and given to someone else. What action can I take here

Wizzle 26/04/2018 at 11:56 pm

StB, I understand that an apology is probably all I will get but it just seems that this is another layer of a multilayered cake of malpractice that’s continues to happen at my place of work, by this particular person so I’m not too sure what to do! Thanks for your reply anyway ??

StB Editor 23/04/2018 at 11:22 am

@Wizzle - Of course you have grounds to complain. However, it's unlikely you will get more than an apology. So, it's whether complaining is worth the hassle of doing so in order to get not very much back in return.

Wizzle 22/04/2018 at 2:14 pm

Hi, we have had an office change, this was supposed to happen at the beginning of the year but has been put back many times! I was recently on leave, and while I wasn’t at work my locker, along with my colleagues lockers, were opened and had the possessions taken out for the move and haphazardly put back in! Now, I wasn’t informed this was going to happen, nothing has ever stopped the company contacting me while not at work before, my belongings were moved without my consent, and my privacy invaded. Do I have grounds to complain?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 06/04/2018 at 2:00 pm

You would have to discuss this with your employer/line manager directly. Individual companies have individual policies in their workplace.

HR Editor 03/04/2018 at 12:24 pm

@Fran - you can make a complaint - but I don't know how far it would get you. If you were on maternity leave then you should have made sure you cleared your desk. You can't expect your employer to keep stuff if you have been off for months. It's up to you to look after your own stuff really.

Fran 02/04/2018 at 8:30 am

I went on maternity leave and left personal possessions at work including pay slips and sensitive information in my desk drawer. It also included irreplaceable items such as photos and trinkets. On return it has disappeared and no one has admitted to touching it. My boss says she assumes it has been destroyed. Can I make a complaint?

Spider 30/03/2018 at 10:53 pm

I work for a local authority. Currently I have a small locker in which I keep my work laptop, rain jacket, stationary, mug, notes and training documentation etc.

I have been informed by my line manager to empty my locker and return my key. This is so that my locker can be allocated to new staff joining our office.

Is my employer obliged to provide me a locker for private /work items?

We have a clear desk policy and my laptop goes into my locker when I leave the office. If I cannot secure this item who will know be liable if it stolen?

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Jimnh Editor 29/03/2018 at 9:16 am

@Carolyn - If your work was having a clear out, it may have mistakenly put your personal item in a bag to go to charity. But I don't know what you imagine you can propose to do about it?

Carolyn 28/03/2018 at 4:03 pm

Can my workplace give away my own personal work mug to charity without my knowledge ?
Many thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 02/03/2018 at 1:56 pm

It is not illegal, given your employer has given a good reason. Much depends upon whether you and/or the other employees agree with this measure. If you don't, then you would have to try to solve this problem informally by talking to your manager. If you cannot resolve the issue, then you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing.

scouse 27/02/2018 at 8:55 pm

My work place are saying they want everyone to hand there car keys,in when we all clock in to work and get them back when we clock out is this illegal

Human 16/02/2018 at 5:00 pm

I was let go today because my manager read something I wrote in a personal notebook of mine and was offended. She had NO right to read what I had written in a personal notebook but did so without consent. After reading the first few words and realizing it was not about work she should have stopped but she didn't. Instead she kept going and now I don't have a job. I think its fair to say that if she had not invaded my personal space and read what I had written in a personal notebook I would still have my job. Am I in the right about this or am I just being oversensitive?

Indie 29/01/2018 at 1:57 pm

My employers informed me that they sent a copy of one of my pay slips to a previous employee. It has my national insurance number and pay details. They've said that the person they sent it to has destroyed the slip sent to them. They can't prove it so what legal steps can I take against them?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 19/01/2018 at 11:39 am

I can only answer your question if you are in the UK, as we only have knowledge of British workplace rights and it does not sound as though you are. Unfortunately, you would have to seek some advice in your own country. We hope you manage to resolve these issues.

Rich 18/01/2018 at 5:43 am

I work at a shop which everyone has there own tools and and you lock them when you are not there. I have 4 tool boxes and all 4 have been broke into by the boss and he is the owner he told one other worker he was looking for something he thot I had taken which is false as I am not a thief and I hate them. so as I go on at home my stuff wasbcover outside in rain o was clean up and I had valuble base ball football and basketball rookie cards I show them to him they were all in thick plastic snap together protectors after I show he gets all excited and wants me to sign them over to and we sell and split the money I laugh and say no I put them in my toolbox and left them now I lock that and open once in a while so I open and cards are gone when I tell him he threw a fit and started rambling on he took my cards broke into my box and broke in all of them and he thinks its funny he has tools and switched them on and caught him as I habe my name engraved on them he steals he is a thief and he denies this but other habe seen him do it what can do the cards he took I believe he sold to his brother inlaw. My my is the. The owner what shpuld I do

Sam 11/12/2017 at 8:14 am

Well let me tell you what happened to me, someone stole my phone at work: I was not allowed to enter with this in the warehouse and I had to leave it in a box along with other phones that is left to the supervisor at the end of the shift when I went to pick up my phone, someone had already picked it up, they told me that they had no responsibilities with my belongings and that they felt so much but nothing they could do. I did a report in the police that did not locate my device by emei I work at the blue arrow agency at John Lewis m1. I would like to know if it's legal for them to keep my belongings and not be liable. I do not have insurance and I'm still paying for 15 months. I do not know what to do but I believe that it is not right that they take my belongings and not take responsibility much thanks for the attention

Gemini77 23/11/2017 at 9:13 am

My husband uses his personal laptop for work as he has not been allocated a work one which has all his personal details and family and personal photos. He went into work this morning and noticed things had been moved on it so checked the cctv in the office and his boss has been through it for about 25 mins then took it out of the office and into the conference room, no cctv in there, for another 25/30 mins. What can my husband Do?

Mile 28/10/2017 at 4:09 pm

I was sent home for not having £10 to get a key locker. I am a mobile, (Covering staff on counters) I was short of money not able to withdraw but manager said: sorry you can't work if you don't that have money or your direct manager. He didn't allow me to left my bag under my risk in the staff room. The money was refundable at the end of the day but I just couldn't pay. I found the whole situation very humiliating and embarrassing. Could I make a complaint or he had the right of not allowing me to work? Any advice? Thanks

Shenhou 25/09/2017 at 4:47 pm

Friday my employer send an email advising to have lockers empty during the weekend, I forgot to empty mine and in the weekend they burst all padlocks (bought and paid by employees) and disappeared with lockers contents.
Can they, with such short notice, break into lockers and remove all the personal contents? Is this a criminal matter or to be dealt internally trough HR?
Several people didn't even have the time to read the email, due to being off shift or holiday!
Thanks for the help

Hola 08/09/2017 at 7:41 pm

Hi, was more or less let go today, but as I was self employed nanny I was rang up and told My boss had searched my tote bag and found an empty bottle of wine? I was flummoxed. I was . Told I had smelt of alcohol on a few occasions by him and someone else but I was never asked or even hinted that this was even an issue. For the record I don't drink at work. I have collected my belongings and found the said 'bottle of wine' 175m mini bottle in the tote food bag, which happens to be where I put my dressings in for salads etc as it's a cheap screw top way of transportation. My question is what rights do I have? What if he tells people things that are infamatory to my future jobs? I am 49 so not getting any younger! So cross they went through my bag in my room!

Any advise thank you x

Ian Murie 17/08/2017 at 12:45 pm

My wrk mate had a grinder in his wrk locker. After they found loose granules at the bottom of his bag. They suspended him. Apparently it had been there ages?

Jim 23/07/2017 at 8:03 am

I was suspended from work and handed in my laptop and phone. I have been cleared of all those allegations, but on Friday they added another. They stated that something was found in my laptop bag, but it is on record that they didn't take my laptop bag, only my laptop. I still have the bag at home. The item they have was in a locked tin in my drawer, and it is not an illegal item. So someone has broken into my tin and planted the evidence in a bag that isn't even mine. Apart from offering these people a job in the police force, what can i do? I am being set up. Help

Lady T 25/06/2017 at 7:14 am

Employer sent memo that lockers were going to be inspected and cleaned. It turned out that they had janitors do the job and not management and everyone's items have been mostly stolen. I think it is called "Criminal Conversion". All items in lockers are all work related. Our Union isn't responding to the matter as well.

Blondie 20/06/2017 at 4:30 pm

My boss has put up a notice that our lockers have to be empty at the end of our shift and our keys handed in can he do this

Gem 07/06/2017 at 2:15 pm

My previous employer had several things of mine on his van before i was laid off these were ladders, reg books and some small hand tools. However i have a hand drill of theres he is insisting my things are not with them and demanding the drill is given back and now have been threatened with court. Where do i stand with this? Ive happily said he can have it back when i get my things back but he is adamant my tools are gone! Thanks

Peanut 27/05/2017 at 9:37 pm

I take medication and my boss wants to check my personal belongings and car to make sure my medication is not hindering work. He also want a to check all staffs cars and coats for alcohol and drugs. Are they legally allowed to check my car and my coat for my medication?.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 15/05/2017 at 10:52 am

This is something only you and your employer can sort out directly. While your employer is not entitled to keep personal items you own - if they have been in your employer's possession a while and you have not collected them you may have less of a case to claim them back. In this case I would write your employer an email including a list of your personal belongings you wish returned asking your employer to either arrange delivery or you will collect them in person. If there is no response, and if you feel you have been treated unfairly you may have to take the matter further/to the small claims court.

Confused 14/05/2017 at 5:40 am

Can an employer keep,sell or get rid of your personall tools used to do the job they hired you for without asking or telling you in some way shape or form if you quit the job and just havent foumd a new one yet ?

Arsal 11/05/2017 at 2:00 am

if the company owner HR or admin are allowed to unlock the lockers assigend to thier employees without consent .if not what would be the legal action and if yes than on what grounds they can unlock the lockers with duplicate keys

Rayj 26/04/2017 at 6:38 pm

Whats the law on your manager going through your bag without you knowing when its in the staff toliet and if its open or not? Many thanks

Anonymity 22/04/2017 at 11:12 am

My current manager has been through my coat pockets in the cloak room without my consent, they have also had staff spying on me whether I have been to my car on my lunch break, and also been checking when last online in work hours?
Where do I stand with this?

Chatty 07/04/2017 at 8:05 am

Our employer is asking for up to 3 members of staff to share a locker. Staff are not allowed their bags or phones with them in the work place all have to be in lockers, can they insist on other members of staff sharing and having access to lockers ?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 20/03/2017 at 11:31 am

Does your school have your employer's main line telephone number? If not, then you would need to add this as the main point of contact (should an emergency occur). Your employer can request that you do not use your phone in working hours.

Vinny 19/03/2017 at 7:17 am

Can my employer insist l put my mobile phone in my locker in work time even though I have explained l am a point of contact in an emergency for my childs school

Person 28/02/2017 at 4:56 pm

My boss has decided after ages that I am no longer allowed to keep my possessions with me in the room I work in. I need to bring them with me to work as I use public transport. He wants me to leave my bag containing all my possessions in the office, in now way secure. The other person works in the office so their belongings are pretty much always with them. Should I be provided legally with a locker to keep my items safe? Not to mention it's a bit embarrassing having to go in the office to get anything I need out of my bag!

Homecarer 27/02/2017 at 1:37 am

Hi can my employer insist that I download a logging into jobs app on my personal phone and then because I did not log in fail to pay me??? Any help appreciated.

ASh Editor 08/02/2017 at 12:27 pm

@Anon- easy way to resolve the issue is don't leave personal belongings in the staffroom. I wouldn't leave my personal belongings lying around if I didn't want them to go missing! AJ

Anon 07/02/2017 at 11:03 pm

Does the employer have any right whatsoever to bin any personal belongings that are left in the staff room? This is driving me mental

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 06/02/2017 at 11:01 am

You would have to speak to your employer directly regarding this matter, as it is up to your employer's discretion.

none 05/02/2017 at 10:55 am

I would like to know I have a locker where I place all my private paper work I don't want to give my locker up due to having my private papers in it and money management have said the locker has to be moved out for staff to use the new unit with 7 drawers I asked if I could have a lock to on the draw and have been told no. I know staff are good I dislike having the drawer unlocked and feel what I have will be searched whenever I'm not on duty. I know there are other staff feeling the same as me about giving up the locker as we all feel the locker is safe and the drawers aren't.

Lynnyloo67 20/01/2017 at 5:20 pm

Can I legally insist that my staff lock their mobile phones away whilst they are on shift?
I have provided a lockable cabinet for this.

Sam 26/11/2016 at 12:33 pm

I work with a young lady with learning difficulties. I was taking her to her voluntary job and she ran to get in the car and sat on my phone, smashed screen. My employer is saying they are not responsible as it shouldn't have been on show. It was not in the house it was in my car. Are they correct in what they are saying? I also have to use my phone for work to communicate with the office

Justin 13/11/2016 at 11:44 pm

Had my rucksack stolen from work locker rooms where you were not given keys for lockers that were broke anyway. rucksack contained phone and medicine totalling about £120. Company called syncreon in Hinckley u.k. Dealing with apple products e.g phones laptops. There are 200 cameras there yet can't provide lockers, is this a breach of health and safety and can I make a claim.? P.s this job was via an agency.

Hayman 21/10/2016 at 6:13 am

How about workplace security checking/inspecting the cars' before they leave site to check for stolen goods?

The security company asks for the boot to be opened and to look in and even sometimes for us to open our bags to check in them.

Is this a breach of privacy? I don't mind looking in the boot but looking into our open bags and personal possessions seems abit much!

Ann 16/10/2016 at 2:45 am

I failed to lock my PC before leaving at the end of my work day and my co worker accessed my ADP and gained information to my pay rate, and all the personal data stored in the ADP system. She then bragged about this horrible act to another co worker. I have reported this to HR after obtaining proof they did nothing but write her up because she has been there for years and I have only been there for three months. this happened just 2 days after a compliance meeting. Should I get the EEOC involved or other legal assistance. because I do not feel right about this at all not to mention I think the same employer has vandalized m vehicle

Caz 08/10/2016 at 7:47 pm

Yesterday in my work place 7/10/16 I started my afternoon shift at 2pm. At 4.30pm I was due a break so went to staff room to get my handbag to which was not there just my coat and jumper which was on top of my bag. So I went to report this to the manager which is located downstairs to find she had it in her office under her desk. To which I was then accused of taking a five pound note which she said was upstairs on floor as a trap. I was shouted at and sworn to and then dismissed instuntantly. Please can I get advice on this matter
Thanks

Jd 30/09/2016 at 1:06 am

I have been a small shop 16 years I have 2 lockers one tool and one clothing, a new employee is taking it upon him self to rearrange the area telling me my clothing locker is going to be moved. It's been there a 16 years he has been here one week ! My boss is agreeing with him, this is a power play, should I fold or fight for my right , I'm 59 they all are younger and don't like the fact I have more time then they do I'm in nj working for a state/ federal, nj/ ny charter type business !

Meesh 10/09/2016 at 8:57 am

I'm currently off work due to having had surgery recently. I've been advised by a colleague that my boss has accessed my personal locker in my absence and taken it ipon herself to look through the folders o keep in there and has thrown some of my work papers away. All of this has been done without my knowledge or permission. If i find this to be the case when i return, what action can i take against this invasion of privacy and what essentially feels like stealing? Thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 09/09/2016 at 12:57 pm

I can only suggest you speak to your employer directly regarding this issue and ask if he/she can allocate a 'safe place' to leave your phones while you are in work.

jrstu 08/09/2016 at 7:15 pm

my employer has changed some rules regarding mobile phones. they now don't want us to have the phone on our person when we are on the shop floor. but they do not provide a personal locker to keep them in. they do however say we have to leave them the the staff room (which is locked but any member of staff can enter the room at any time).

i feel like this is wrong and a breach of my right to privacy. i am worried that if i lose my phone or it was stolen i would have no grounds to back me up. does my employer have to provide a safe place to secure my personal items if they don't want me to have them on the shopfloor?

lastly i do need to take my phone to work as i use public transport, travel early in the morning and late at night for work (when its dark, in a busy city).

Notguilty 29/08/2016 at 4:43 am

A coworker claimed he had money stolen from his locker, he blamed it on me and is extorting money from me saying he has witnesses....lol the locker area was unsecured and if anyone leaves their locker unlocked hate to say it but how stupid can you be

Daniel 05/08/2016 at 12:13 pm

Help.After 5 years as labour hire on fifo roster in Pilbara I was notified I was no longer required.Anyhow i endured 5 years of bullying,I wasn't one to partake in drinking etc.It was whilst I was on leave and 1/2 way back when notified.That's fine but they sent my tools to Qld but failed to send personal docs,diary,folders etc. How do I take action for this violation.Police say civil Action! Its not fair,some items priceless.They may have knew of potential future issues.Big miner,who do what they like.help,Any advice appreciated.

Deathcon 14/07/2016 at 7:25 am

I passed out at work and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. My employer went through my backpack where I keep my license and wallet,keys and snacks. I had nothing illegal in there but they are " letting me go" and not saying why. If they claim to have found something then how can I prove there was nothing? Of course I was not present when it happened. I was in the hospital.

hump 10/07/2016 at 11:01 am

I was searched at work where I was frisked I hated being touched and told my company I was told I had no choice and that the company had the right to touch me. After 5 years someone decided to refuse and then the searches were stopped. I want to take legal action against the company can I do this

Jen 07/07/2016 at 6:23 pm

I recently got photographic evidence of my manager going into my bag. Can she be sacked for going through my personal belongings ?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 22/06/2016 at 2:09 pm

You would need to give ACAS a call regarding this matter.

Salesman 21/06/2016 at 7:29 pm

Hi, I was locked in a cupboard, as my boss was trying to disapline me for something I did and he didn't take it well when I proved it wasn't me.
what are my rights with this as I have other issues with regards to my boss,
I have paperwork that hes sent off that can only be descriped as slanderous and he sent it there boss.
hes also told 2 collegues that they should learn of me then hes going to get rid of me.

Where do I stand on this

Chef 25/05/2016 at 1:44 pm

My company kept rejecting my order for a pair of safety shoes, as I work in a kitchen, so I brought in a pair of boots from home.while I was off, the maintenance man unlocked the kitchen staffs changing room, and threw all the shoes away! I reported this to my manager who didn't want to get involved! I had a go at the maintenance man, saying he had to replaced them- he just laugh! Where do I stand?

Terry 13/05/2016 at 4:17 pm

After being terminated from work on ill health through stress and bullying from manager can they break into your personnel draw to which I have the key and remove it and box it all up and take it else where for me to collect ??

calvdude 29/03/2016 at 5:10 pm

Hi, I work at a cinema and there's no lockers in the staff room, and I'm not allowed my phone on me, what are my rights as to having personal property protection?
Thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 17/03/2016 at 10:25 am

Your contract may specify whether your tools should have been insured either by you or the company.Therefore, I think this is something you would need to take up with your employer directly.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 16/03/2016 at 10:42 am

If your property is on the land your former company, it can do what it likes. I advise you to collect your property before the date given, of you may find that after this date your company will be able to dispose of it as it sees fit.

Ziggy 16/03/2016 at 10:12 am

I was a maintenance supervisor at a travel center... and being in the maintenance department I had to have my own tools to perform the maintenance tasks duties... at the end of each day I place my tools in a locker that was provided. With a lock on the door to secure my tools.... I end up going to jail for a month for a mistake warrant back in 2004. I had to spend a whole month in jail to get it cleared. While being incarcerated my locker was broken into and all my tools and belongings were stolen. Is the company I work for responsible in making sure my tools and belongings we're safe and secured.

Angela 15/03/2016 at 1:27 am

I was employed by a company for 16 years as a property manager. At one point I lived on site and when I moved I had left some of my personal belongings behind in a storage area of the building where I used to live. It had my locks on the door. I resigned quite suddenly from my position in mid January therefore I did not take those belongings with me when I left. I told the owner and the girl who would be taking my place that I would be back at some point to get my stuff however I made no commitment as far as a date goes on when I would be back. Partly due to it being winter time and I would need to somehow get hold of a truck. Anyway, it was brought to my attention last week by one of my former co workers that they had cut my locks off and put new locks on. With no prior warning given to me!! Today I received a letter telling me that I need to have my stuff out by April 10th.. letter was received on March 14th, not even 30 days notice and then goes on to tell me I need to call the office to get access as I need an employee with me to when I remove my stuff. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is legal that they just cut my locks off with no prior warning given?? If it was a tenant it wouldn't be.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 08/03/2016 at 11:09 am

He cut through the card? Was there any reason given? It seems a very odd thing to do.

Jd 07/03/2016 at 2:42 pm

My boss has just rang me and asked for my password to view my payslips online. They asked for my password but as I'm not aware if they can legally do it I gave it but there was no question whether I was fine with them to do so as they make life very hard if you disagree with anything they say. Are they actually allowed to do this?

Ben 07/03/2016 at 11:59 am

After leaving my wallet in my locker at work, I called in asking if someone could assure me it was definitely there. My boss retrieved the wallet and cut through a piece of ID within the wallet that belonged to my cousin (he left it in my car) this suggests that he went through it without my presence, consent or knowledge. What should I do??

Pud 16/02/2016 at 10:23 pm

My boss forces me and my colleagues to take off our coats, can he do this?

Pud 16/02/2016 at 10:22 pm

Hello, my boss forces us to take our coats off and put them on a rack, is he allowed to do this?

RFC1690 05/02/2016 at 10:39 am

Hi, I was allocated a locker 5years ago with my employer. So I've been off work as a result of a back injury that happened at work. I was forced and cornered into handing my notice. When I handed in my notice I went to clear my locker to my amazement that the locker had been cleared. I had personal items such as brand new trainers at least £45.00 and payslips as well as various qualifications. I was then informed that my belongings went to charity. Can someone please tell me my rights. Thanks
RFC

VH81 29/01/2016 at 1:26 pm

My previous employer is ignoring my request to return my qualifications and certificates. I left whilst sick, I was offered a last minute place to return to uni. I rang the company and told them I would be going back to uni and could I work part time. They said as I worked on a rolling shift they would not be able to accommodate me. I told them I could work for a further 4 weeks, but as I was off sick and on a temporary contract I was told they wouldn't need me. They still have all my GCSE, A level certificates as well as NVQ's, various training and first aid certificates too. I didn't receive any of the certificates while working there but as my place of work was being inspected they asked me for my originals. I have asked them three times if I can collect them, or could they post them too me but they are ignoring my request. Is there anything I can do?

Jimbo 28/01/2016 at 10:57 pm

I've been told I'm not allowed my phone on me in the workplace but I'm not provided with a locker, does this mean them stopping me from keeping my phone on me is against my rights? Also are they allowed to stop me from keeping my phone on me even though I could get an emergency call?

Neil 21/01/2016 at 8:18 pm

Hi.
I joined my current employer 3yrs ago and transferred MY mobile number to a company phone. With the agreement of the financially director (who has since left) that when I left I would get back.
I have resigned and the company are refusing to return the number.
Do I have any rights?

Abdul 12/01/2016 at 9:10 am

Hi. My former Staff wanted to break my office drawer without my permission. Luckily my partner call me and told abt the problem. The reason is. My admin office staff wanted to know if I have kept my PDA and Printer in my office drawer. My PDA and Printer I always bring home safety reasons.

crust 17/12/2015 at 5:29 pm

My employer searched my bag without me being present. Is this legal?

Ada 07/12/2015 at 7:24 pm

I have been provided with a small locker at work where I used to put my valuable items as wallet phone etc, since we have a new deputy I'm being force to keep my handbag in my locker but cos my bag is to big I have been told to change my bag for a small one or bring my stuff in a plastic bag. My question is why should I be forced to buy a different bag or come with a plastic bag? Is this legal? Why can't I just jeep my valuable items in the locker and keep my empty bag with my coat? If that's the case they should provide us with a bigger lockers?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 04/12/2015 at 10:39 am

You would have to look in your contract to see whether there is anything that states your employer has a right to do this. You could also give ACAS a call and speak with someone directly to see whether your employer is working within employment guidelines.

Loudy 03/12/2015 at 6:15 pm

Whilst on day off from work my employer has removed locked draws at employees desks taking mine locked with my belongings in and have been advised they will be unlocking the locked one's can they do this ???

Jin 27/11/2015 at 6:43 pm

I was made redundant from a job where I was working from home.
The company has not collected the items from my home (computers, laptop, mobile phone, iPad, huge boxes of their product). Do I have a right to dispose of the items? It's been a month and my house looks like a warehouse - they haven't responsed to me in a few days after asking them to pick them up.
Do I have the right to charge a storage fee?
My contract states I have to return all items.

Amy 27/11/2015 at 4:12 pm

My notice period finishes today ar my work and im currently off work. How long do i have to return company items such as laptop and works phone but theu cant report it as missing?
Thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 18/11/2015 at 12:02 pm

If you feel your colleague has overstepped the mark, then you may wish to speak to your line manager in the first instance to try and resolve the issue. I have also included a gov.uk link about the option of raising a grievance.

Lily 17/11/2015 at 6:52 pm

I had my I phone locked in an office, locked in a drawer, a senior went through my phone, and gossiped to colleagues, my phone was turned off. And a colleague told me who and what He had read I'v reported this to hr as he had read personal text and emails, he was the only one to have access to a key to unlock the drawer, I would of had to ask him for permision to access my phone, any advise please,

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 05/11/2015 at 11:40 am

I suggest you speak with yoru employer directly about this. I imagine the other females employed in your workplace may feel the same. Perhaps, it just hasn't been thought through properly. Try and resolve the issue informally first. If the situation is not resolved, then you may want to speak with your union rep, if you have one. Please see CAB link here for more information.

Susie 04/11/2015 at 1:56 pm

My employer has just told us we have to bring personal belongings into the workplace in a clear plastic bag. We have lockers but it means I have to walk threw a mans environment with a box of tampax on show! Where do I stand as I feel embarrassed?

Junior 17/10/2015 at 3:39 am

My employer mandates a search of personal cars and bags going into and leaving work everyday... This is a result of a computer being stolen.. Is this legal? .

Peterborough 09/10/2015 at 11:35 am

Hi
I recently handed in my notice at work. I went in a few days before this period ran out and the boss asked me for my notepad which in my opinion belongs to me. I use it to make personal notes about jobs I am on and also other personal information. I did not have it at the time. He escorted me off the site and has refused to pay me the last weeks pay. Does he have any rights to the notebook?
Many thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 02/10/2015 at 12:40 pm

I suggest you give ACAS a call via whichto expand on the details of your question, in order that you can recieve some appropriate advice.

Annoyed 01/10/2015 at 2:25 pm

My daughter has been sacked! She had her phone inside her locked locker! And because it was on the premises they sacked her! Can they do that??

stewartie 04/09/2015 at 3:08 pm

Looking for advice-im a garage technician i gave my employer 4 weeks notice even though I only had to give him 1 week but gave him 4 so they could find replacement mechanic I only had3 days left to go,I asked for my p45 to be ready for the friday when I left to be told they'd give me it in a months time as they still had to pay me for 1 day,I explained I'd need it for new employer on the Monday so I wasn't emergency taxed as I have disabled kids to look after and didn't want emergency taxed and be out of that money til I could claim it back.they still said I wasn't getting my p45, so I replied "well I'll just finish today then" they didn't want that so I finished my work that day my wife emailed them that night explained again that I needed p45 and guidelines from hmrc website on what to do if you have to pay an employee after giving them their p45 and how to fill in fps tax form to keep their self's right, I then went to go next morning to find out what to do for p45 and I received a phone call from another mechanic in the garage at 9.30 saying my boss had put my snap-on tool boxes and tools out into the street for anybody to steal now these cost me around £15000-18000 so not cheap and my boss himself didn't even phone to ask where I was or give me notice he was putting my stuff outside or anything is this legal?????

Hannah Editor 17/08/2015 at 2:16 pm

@Hannah - Before you approach your manager, you should really approach the colleague who you sent the notes to and ask if they know where they might have gone. He/she may have removed them before they went away. If he/she has no knowledge, then you can only tentatively approach your manager and ask. Other than that, there isn't much you can do. It is always best not to write these things down, especially as they are personal. I hope you manage to retrieve them.

Tash 14/08/2015 at 11:10 pm

I have gone through a very rough time recently being very ill and emotionally fragile, and a work colleague has been helping me through it.
We have written notes to each other discussing the issue and they contain very personal feelings and details.
They are locked away in my colleagues 2nd drawer.
A manager in our office needed a piece of work whilst my colleague was on holiday, which was in the 1st drawer.
The notes have now gone. They were obviously not anything to do with work so there would be no need to take them. What can I do about this?

Lisa 14/08/2015 at 8:44 pm

My partner leant 2 cabin suitcases to a work colleague. The work colleague brought them back into their work place and left them in the staff room for my partner to bring home. They were there for over a week and her boss has now thrown them in the rubbish without any warning. I appreciate that they shouldn't have been there that long but can he do that? Thanks

beaver 16/07/2015 at 1:43 pm

The firm where we work are introducing random locker searches without our being present, is this legal?

Marcie Editor 01/04/2015 at 1:55 pm

@biglugs - it depends upon the circumstances really. If it had been left there for a while and he did not know whose it was, then perhaps he could. But it should have really been secured or locked away.

biglugs 30/03/2015 at 6:26 pm

can an employer give my bike away after i left without notice seems wrong to me as it was my sons present and gave it to another employee

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 31/03/2015 at 12:01 pm

@big'un - are you UK based? If so, you would need to give Acas a call on this via whichI hope this helps.

big'un 28/03/2015 at 9:55 pm

I am on sick leave at the moment recovering from an operation, while off the manager took the opera unity to instruct a shift supervisor to break open lockers and cupboards I was using inconjuction with my employment.
The connects was mixed personal property and company property, it has been a free for all to help themselves, including my property.
What is the legal stance of his action and what can I do know to get recompense.
Best regards

5MAS 25/03/2015 at 11:53 pm

My employer took my work laptop without notice and has looked through personal documents and photos. He says they have been downloaded and backed up.
I used this laptop when I worked away long periods as agreed with him. I often stayed away for weeks at a time including weekends and it was not safe or practical to travel with 2 laptops. He has refused to delete or copy and return all my documents.
He has also kept some of my belongings and threatened tio throw them out.
I was dismissed as I asked for my overtime payment and expenses to be paid for the last 5 months of work!

Sasha Editor 25/03/2015 at 10:21 am

@chyna - I imagine that area does not qualify as a storeroom and you are right doesn't sound very sanitary, let alone secure. I would in the first instance have a word with your line manager and voice your concerns. I certainly wouldn't want my items left in the loo!

chyna 22/03/2015 at 2:35 am

Our boss has made it mandatory to put any belonging we have in the small 3 by 6foot only employee bathroom that we have right behind the toilet is that even legal or sanitary ? Anybody ?

david 06/03/2015 at 2:00 am

my locker at work was searched, without me being present, I asked why, the manager was looking for hi vis jackets, as we are having a visit by the regional manager and were short of them, this was the only reason as I dont do anything wrong and have nothing to hide, still seems wrong !!!!

Elliej 03/03/2015 at 3:24 pm

I gave one months notice to my employer on 23rd February 2015, I then proceeded to take annual leave which was booked.
During my annual leave my employer has emailed me and sent text messages saying that he doesn't want me in the office, I am to use up the remainder of my annual leave and gardening leave for the remainder of my notice.
I have asked for a convenient time/date to return company property, I have received a reply today in which I have been informed by them that they have emptied my locked desk drawer, I had perdonal belongings in there and feel that this is a breach of my Human rights, am I correct in thinkinh this?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 25/02/2015 at 2:59 pm

@Buster - I would check your contract as this may be allowed dependent upon the type of establishment you work in, especially where there needs to be top security. However, employers should not look through your personal possessions without your prior agreement. Should you feel your privacy has been breached in any way then you should give Acas a call in order to get some further advice.

Buster 23/02/2015 at 8:37 pm

Can an employer take a photograph of the inside of a persons bag without their permission

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 11/02/2015 at 10:46 am

@EmployeePrivacyRights - you don't give much information on the workplace you are in which may give some indication on why your employer may feel the need to go to the extreme of removing your phone from your person. Despite links between mobile use and poor productivity and bad working relations, there are no general regulations barring the use of mobile phones in the workplace. The key exceptions are where mobile phones might pose a safety risk, such as by interfering with vital electrical equipment in hospitals and aircraft, or in potentially explosive environments, such as fuelling stations or blasting sites. Individual organisations are at liberty to impose their own rules regarding the use of mobile phones, and many have done so. This may have come as a result of security concerns -particularly in light of the recent popularity of camera phones - or just due a poor record of mobile behaviour, where the effective operations of the company has been jeopardised by the inappropriate use of mobiles.
These rules might vary from an outright ban on mobile devices to a set of company guidelines about when and where a mobile can be used and for what purpose. Guidelines might, for instance, request that all mobiles are switched to silent/vibrate mode when in the workplace and that any personal calls or texts must wait until lunch or break times. I should check what it says in your contract and how your employer justifies this outright ban. I hope this helps.

jimmy 10/02/2015 at 5:08 pm

where does responsibility lie when an employer expects you to hand over your personal mobile at the start of your shift and have it back at the end of the shift.

apps 10/11/2014 at 7:04 pm

i was sacked on Friday for failing a random drug test with no prior warning these were coming into force but after a long meeting with the owner and my explanation that had I known there were tests coming to work I would neva had eaten the brownies but his decision was made to terminate my employment but I had an appeal coming up on Wednesday, over the weekend I wrote a letter of appeal explaining in more detail and it was looking in my favour that I was to be reinstated but over the weekend someone had broke into my locker and found steroids syringes and syringe waste tubs is this a breach of privacy and do I have grounds for unfair dismissal

marcus 05/07/2014 at 8:08 pm

I recently was asked at work by a female supervisor to have my bag searched 15 mins after my shift had finished & I refused as I was already late for my bus, not got anything to hide but was in a hurry. I am now under investigation for this, do they have the right to disapline me as it was after my shift.

Jls2014 09/02/2014 at 2:09 am

Hi. Just wondering if employers are allowed to provide a staff room for staff to put there belongings. These are not locked and there are no cameras. Things have gone missing and when working 12 hour night shifts in the middle of the countryside I would like to know if I have a right to a locked locker? Thanks.

Puggy2112 30/07/2013 at 1:20 am

While on sick leave another employee removed my personal possesions such as files folders I purchased with my money, college transcripts, religious doctrines etc...and threw them away is this legal???
Puggy 2112

tj313 16/08/2012 at 9:53 am

My employer searched my backpack - that was located in the locker room but not in my locker - without my permission and without me being present. is this legal?

joeli 08/02/2012 at 12:14 am

While on sick leave following a work related accident my supervisor removed my personal possesions payslips etc.from my locked locker and threw them away is this legal???

Ladyowl 20/12/2011 at 10:29 am

Hello I am trying to find out what is the legal requirement for how far can/ should you be from your personal belongings. I am currently having a situation at work where they are demanding me to leave my things at a different department to where I work which can be quite inconvenient.
I would very much like further information about this!!

Rick 18/06/2011 at 9:58 pm

Can my employer require me to turn over my personal cell phone during work hours and only have access to it during breaks and at the end of my shift.

crowman 25/03/2011 at 7:39 pm

I recently had personal posessions removed from a company owned locker by a worker and a supervisor on another shift with-out my permission.

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