Employee Privacy Rights
Expert Advice on Employee Privacy Rights...
Home  /  Protecting Your Privacy

What to Do if Your Privacy Is Invaded at Work

Originally written by Matthew Strawbridge, updated by the editorial team on 1st April 2026
Ask a Question
What to Do if Your Privacy Is Invaded at Work

If your privacy is invaded at work, there are two possible culprits. The first is the company itself, which may have compromised your privacy by asking for inappropriate information or by not handling your data safely and confidentially. The second possibility is that an individual in the workplace has invaded your privacy personally. Let us look at these two scenarios in turn.

Your Company

It is quite possible that your employer does not respect your privacy as much as you do. Perhaps personal information that is not directly relevant to the employer-employee relationship is kept on your personnel file. This slack attitude toward privacy issues makes it likely that some sort of breach will take place.

Remember that your employer has a duty under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 to ask you only for those details that it needs in order to employ you, and to restrict its use of such details to this use. If you think you are being asked to provide data that is not relevant, then you have the right to withhold it.

Similarly, if you believe that access to personnel files is not being controlled strictly enough, you have cause for complaint.

Workplace Privacy Checker

Workplace Privacy Checker

Describe what your employer is monitoring or asking for and find out whether it is lawful under UK privacy and data protection law.

Try our Workplace Privacy Checker free, here on this site →

Your Colleagues

Sometimes colleagues may invade your privacy by accident. If you are discussing personal matters on your work phone, you can hardly complain if a colleague overhears what you say. Similarly, if you leave confidential documents lying face-up on your desk, you should not be surprised if someone happens to glance at them. You must take some responsibility for safeguarding your own privacy.

However, suppose you discover that a colleague has accessed your personnel record inappropriately. There may be any number of people in your organisation that you are particularly keen to keep certain information from: the colleague who has always had a bit of a crush on you, the disgruntled subordinate who was expecting the promotion you got instead, and the security guard who you suspect may be a petty thief.

You should certainly make a formal complaint if you believe your details have been accessed for illegitimate reasons. This may result in procedures being tightened up, and perhaps some form of disciplinary action being taken against the perpetrator.

Unfortunately, once your information has been leaked in this way, there is not much you can do to protect it. You could move house, change your phone number and get a new bank account, for example, but none of these things is worth the effort unless you have cause to fear for your safety. If that is the case, you have more to worry about and you may be wiser to contact the police.

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

Taking Action

If someone has compromised your privacy at work, the action you should take depends on the severity of the breach. For a minor infraction, it may be sufficient to discuss the matter with the perpetrator and ask them not to do the same again in future.

If the invasion is somewhat more serious, such as someone requesting access to your personnel file without a legitimate need for it, then you may wish to complain to the snooper's manager. By escalating the problem in this way, you may be able to ensure that the perpetrator does not reoffend, and you have the opportunity to request that the company tightens up its security so that similar breaches become less likely in the future.

As a last resort, you may need to contact the police. If you believe that your privacy has been invaded with criminal intent then this could be a wise course of action, since, even if it does not result in a prosecution, it will send a strong signal that you are aware of what has taken place and you are prepared to defend yourself.

The Next Step

Workplace Privacy Checker

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 →

219 questions
Ask Employee Privacy Rights a Question
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 11/07/2026 at 2:00 pm
@Little miss That request is a red flag. Under GDPR and most workplace IT policies, sharing personal login credentials is actually a breach, even with your MD, because it destroys the audit trail and could leave you carrying the can for anything done under your name. Ask her to put the request in writing with a reason, and suggest she uses her admin rights to reset access properly instead. Worth ringing ACAS before Monday for a quick steer.
Little miss 11/07/2026 at 1:30 pm
Been in role for 4 years, today boss (managing director) has requested my login and passwords. She has full access to software to create and remove users.
I now have a meeting Monday morning.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 03/07/2026 at 1:22 pm
@Patsy Legally it's a grey area. An employer can access a locked pedestal if they've got a genuine business reason and a clear policy saying they may do so, but forcing entry without contacting you first is heavy handed and could breach your right to privacy under the Data Protection Act and Article 8. Ask them in writing why they didn't ring you, and raise a formal grievance if the answer's rubbish.
Patsy 03/07/2026 at 1:16 pm
Can an amployer break in to my locked pedestal when am off sick without asking me to unlock it and take my personal possesions home
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 12/06/2026 at 8:31 am
@Ian Short answer: generally no, not without a very strong justification and proper notice. Audio recording is treated as far more intrusive than video under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, so blanket audio monitoring of staff conversations is very hard to justify and the ICO takes a dim view of it. Your employer should have carried out a Data Protection Impact Assessment and told you exactly why audio is being captured. If they haven't, raise it with them in writing and complain to the ICO.
Ian 12/06/2026 at 8:25 am
Can a company use Cctv with audio and dash cams with audio, to listen to and monitor my conversations with other staff members in the workplace.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:34 pm
@Dave You've got a fair point, and it isn't trivial at all. Sharing your handwritten forms with peers without consent could well breach UK GDPR principles, since the data was collected in a specific context and then repurposed. I'd raise it with your line manager or HR in writing, asking what the lawful basis is for circulating it. The "shaming" threat is also worth flagging; that sort of pressure tactic shouldn't be how compliance is achieved.
Dave 22/05/2024 at 6:48 am
In a meeting we had to fill in various forms. The data itself was not particularly sensitive. But after the meeting we were told all forms wil be viewable by all my piers. Any one who did not pass the information in would be shamed.
Although it may sound trivial is it an invasion of my privacy to publish my work without my permission.
(I have very bad handwriting which has dogged me all my life and I don't share hand written documents as a rule. I feel it it will reduce my standing in the company)
Dazza 13/04/2024 at 8:24 am
My manager found me jerking off in the toilets as I’m a registered sex addict.
He told everyone.
Lauren 25/02/2024 at 2:55 pm
Hoping someone can help. So I've had a grievance put in against me at work due to my wages by a co-worker. According to them I have shown everyone in my office my payslip so everyone knows what I earn, might I add that I have absolutely never done this nor ever will. Do I have the right to know who has made the grievance? As surely its my confidentiality that's been breached if they have seen my payslip.
Joejbreezy 24/02/2024 at 11:20 pm
Hello there

I trust I find you well. The reason why I write to you is to seek advice concerning my employers allegations over company disrepute. My employer has accused me of bringing forth negative publicity towards her business over allegations of dating a co worker. Please kindly advise on what measures I can take to protect myself.
Mamabear 21/01/2024 at 8:23 am
I was sent home poorly from work and either a colleague has told my employer i attended my daughters nativity or my daughters school have and now I am facing disciplinary procedures. For the colleague, How did they know? How did they know the school? The year group? The time and date of the nativity? How did they know I was there? Is this a breach? If it was her school, surely that is a breach? Furthermore my employer using this information for emotional distress, is that allowed?
Vm77 15/01/2024 at 2:39 pm
I had a very personal opperation 2 years ago and know for a fact that my line manager has disclosed this to a friend of theirs that they have met in a chat room. I know it for a fact as my manager has told me that this person has a given me a nickname linked to the opperation. The person that my mamager chats to lives in another country so they haven't actually met in person. I also know for a fact that information about other staff members has also been shared.
lillywarhammer 29/04/2022 at 8:32 pm
A customer who i never knew was telling my section leader and another colleague he knew me, i didn't know him. He started throwing distant relative names at me, which showed he knew at least my family name. I kept saying I didn't have them as family, denying I knew them . then he told me my sisters name and i said No that isn't her name, i don't have a sister of that name, as i didn't know him, my section leader then said " yes her sisters name is that but she doesn't talk to her now" is this a breach of privacy or confidentiality as I never wanted a stranger to know i was her sister.
Bamaboy 10/06/2021 at 1:56 pm
I started a job recently and My co-worker went through my boss' desk and took pictures of my personal information and of my pay and of my hours. He went around showing other co-workers what I made that week and how many hours I had and how much I made an hour. He was very jealous and mad that I made more than him and went around saying "big money" and talking smack telling others he was mad I made more than him and I didn't deserve it, which for the record i have my certifications and degree and went to school for 7 years.. But this made a very hostile work environment and really upset me and I ended up getting let go after this because of them making up lies and drama and they told me I was the best employee and excellent at what I did but I just wasn't a good fit they didn't have a reason and I know its because of employees hating on me and causing issues. This is not right! And it cant be legal for someone to go through my personal information and take pictures of my hours and pay I feel very violated and I was let go only because the co-workers were jealous I made more.
Anna 02/04/2021 at 10:41 am
I work for a large food business. We have a new manager. She gained access to the Facebook messenger group we use for chat inside the team. This is not official or set up by the company, we talk about work stuff but also other things. Sometimes work messages, fot example asking if someone can come in and cover last minute, or asking if anyone knows where something is will be sent by someone at work, but nearly all the talk is outside work hours.
She saw some negative comments about her, and has now forwarded everything on to the area manager.
I feel that my privacy has been invaded, that this was a private group, she has acted unethically and possibly broken GDPR. Am I right, and what should I do.
Other workmates are also very angry.
KM 17/03/2021 at 11:39 pm
Two days ago I found that someone has brocken into my locked drawer in the office and a few items missing. I emailed the office members and asked if anyone knows about it. One of our colleagues rang and told me who he was. In fact she told him it's not right to break others drawer and mess-up with their belongings buy the guy responded he has right to do so!
Should I report him to HR?
The missing docking station and IT equipment worth about £350.
Nads 27/01/2021 at 10:17 am
My boss left his password protected account left open I went on thinking it was a works account and found personal information about me and looked at it. Is this a day breach
Tex 12/12/2020 at 7:03 pm
My last employer leaked my criminal record which is a Megan’s law registry and they know someone in my new workplace and they were told about my record and I have no idea what to do. Please help
Trace 05/10/2020 at 1:44 am
I am virtually teaching a Special Ed student. I had a feeling that they were sitting in on our Meetings and heard whispering etc. also the student hasn't been her self. Last week, I talked to the teacher I work under. I told him think the parents have been sitting with their daughter while I'm working One on One with out my knowledge and I was uncomfortable. Finally, when I was helping the student, with an assignment on Seesaw, during our Microsoft Teams meeting, The Dad jumped in and was really rude to me. The Dad told me The Seesaw App we was a waste of his daughters time. I told the teacher I work under that I was uncomfortable, and felt the parents were watching me secretly and are up to something. The teacher advised me to send a detailed email and send it to VP and CC Resource Teacher Stephanie, and him. I was concerned and said, what's going on. He knew something, but was vague and was obviously told not to tell me. He said trust me its important, be factual and leave my feelings out of it? Anyway, I assumed they had complained, and I needed to cover my butt. Anyway, that was on a Wed. I sent the detailed email about he situation to The VP. I still haven't got a reply from VP and it's now Sunday. The Teacher finally, told me Friday, that the parents have been recording me? I was shocked upset no one had told me? I contacted my Union Rep and she said I should have been told asap and I need to stop working with this student. She said that it is illegal to record someone without consent and they should've known this, and and told me right away and removed from that work assignment for my protection and my privacy? She also told me to go into the office Monday morning first thing and tell VP I'm not working with this student anymore and that I'm following the Union Reps advise. Also, tell the VP I wanted to be reassigned to different student. Well, I'm really upset the VP didn't let me he knew that the parents were illegally recording me, I thought they were just sitting in spying, and he still hasn't got back to me, he said he's was busy. He should have followed some sort of legal protiocal that could've prevented me from being recorded any further, Right ? Also, what are my rights as far the parents recording me without consent? I didn't say or do anything wrong but I feel by violated by parents and not protected by my VP. I upset Thanks
scotlad 01/10/2020 at 11:53 am
Can an employer phone an ex partner of yours and ask personal information about your life and what has been going on?
busylikeme 25/09/2020 at 4:15 pm
10 yrs ago. I went from full time to term time employment . i've been with my local government employer for 18 years. its come to like. 10 years ago they dint put me on the right pay scale. so now i owe them 24k.which they want back. I had a issue at work about a promotion.. an email was sent to me regarding this issue, along with. its come to like that youve been overpaid in your job. though your pay has now been adjusted, outstanding money is owed. this was CC'd to 5 other people.. My manager, their manager, HR advisor ( i agree Head of payroll needed the info...along with head of HR which is who was dealing with my issue. I feel embarrassed now others know. do the others really need to know, its not as if they could help of assist me in sorting this out. I feel my private and confidential information has been breeched.
Sharon 23/09/2020 at 12:41 am
I recently had to re-locate to another state due to being stalked...I haven’t told anyone here But my manager and she sent an email to our team with my home address on it. Is there a way I could sue due to this? I had a history with this problem In my previous city and even had my corporate security involved.
Rubes 19/08/2020 at 4:18 pm
I have found out I’m pregnant. I’ve been with the company for two years and everyone is great, my assistant manager is not a popular figure within our workplace but is nothing more than a little irritating at best ?? . I’ve had a risk assessment done by my manager who has had to tell the assistant manager. I’ve asked for nothing to be said as I haven’t told my youngest child and some family menebers due to miscarriage before. I’ve found out she has been telling everyone and gossiping knowing I’ve asked her to keep quiet until I’ve reached my 12 weeks. What can I do if anything in this situation.
Mmafox 15/08/2020 at 1:43 am
I started a new job and after 3 days I had to stop and shield for 4 months due to my medical condition. The only people who I told about my condition where my manager and HR as they had to receive copies of my nhs letters. 2 days into my return to work a co worker I had just recently met asked me how I was coping with my condition. I was surprised as to how she knew about it and I was upset because I realised someone must have told people about it. I’m not sure what to do but I feel like my privacy has been violated. I thought that was my personal information and to be shared on a need to know basis and I don’t think my coworkers needed to know. Some of my friends and family don’t even know I have this condition why should I tell people who are still strangers to me
Reg 07/08/2020 at 7:12 am
I am a manager, I keep notes from one to one meetings with staff and some personal data of my in a notebook. On my day off this notebook was on my desk closed, a member of staff opened and read it and then proceeded to put the notebook under her coat and shared it with 3 other members of staff (all caught on CCTV) I am now being accused of Gross Misconduct, which wouldn't occur if this member of staff hadn't snooped through this notebook and physically shared it.... I admit I normally lock it away but it was in my office space!! First offence on an impeccable staff record sheet
jay 05/08/2020 at 5:36 pm
I had a personal conversation with someone not related to work in my own time at home about an employee. Now my company are using it against me, can they do this?
Light 06/07/2020 at 8:24 am
A coworker has printed and posted in her work desk photos taken approx 5 years ago,, of us without my consent. Is it ilegal? I have every right to request her to take photos down.
Deedee 30/06/2020 at 12:11 am
My deputy manager discussed how pissed off she was with me for ringing in sick due to the stress of one of my seniors and I having a disagreement.
She told the staff about what had happened even though it was not on their shift. She then rang me at home and said I had to come to work, which she has done a few times when I have rung in sick.
Would just like some advice please.
abcdefg 26/06/2020 at 12:10 am
My supervisor disclosed that I was pregnant to my boss without my permission when I specifically told her “NO ONE else knows and I want it to stay that way”. She also said it in front of two other employees and a daughter of an employee.
maz 20/06/2020 at 3:58 pm
My daughter's boss has accessed her private messenger by logging in her FB account and using her saved password without telling her during furlough. The message was derogatory about her boss and were written out of hours on her own device, yet her boss has now started Gross Misconduct proceedings. The boss is mentioned only by her first name, and the name of the company is not mentioned. It was addressed to her own brother. We know the boss clicked on at least one other my daughter's friend. We feel it is an invasion of privacy and abuse of from the boss. She applied for a job, got it and informed her boss she was leaving. The GM proceeding were started AFTER she informed the boss of her new job. Does an employer have such a right as it was out of hours, at home, on her own laptop?
J210 15/05/2020 at 6:17 pm
My boss had me send an email to our district manager because my boyfriend(I’m gay) had been tested for covid 19 my coworkers no I’m gay but I still have family that does not and before this I’m pretty sure my dm did not know so I send the email and it was then forwarded to the entire district this is a breach of my security and I’m not just over reacting right??
James 08/04/2020 at 7:37 pm
My MD printed all the staffs (from the cleaner to him and everyone in-between) full names, personal emails, personal mobile numbers and home addresses which were the distributed one each to all the staff "incase of emergency". He only panicked and took them back after a family member who works for the company realised what he was doing when I told them
Lily123 16/02/2020 at 7:11 am
A letter containing personal information about myself was used as a template letter to send a similar letter to another colleague. However, some information was left in the second letter, identifying me as having the same issues as my colleague. This was information I made clear I did not want discussing with any of my colleagues. I did no event tell my closest friend in the workplace of my personal issue. However, the colleague who received the second letter approached me with her letter telling me what had happened.
FA 29/01/2020 at 10:42 am
My boss opened my office drawer and overhead cabinets and took pictures then send them to one of my colleagues to show his (Boss's)office space was cleaner than mine. Does this amount to breach of privacy.
Concerned 27/01/2020 at 9:39 pm
2 co-workers looked at my personal files without my authorization and others files. They then told people of the others background check.
Tre 25/01/2020 at 4:35 am
I was off sick for stress at work for 3 months. During this time, my management accessed my personal locker with a duplicate key. I was not notified of this, I only found out when I returned to work. My belongings are now missing and the manager is not taking responsibility stating that my items were not in there. Is this a breach of my privacy rights? I had private paper work in the locker. What can I do?
Star 29/12/2019 at 6:01 pm
My Assistant Manager regularly tries to overide rotas set by Management and the changes are always directed at me rather than other members of staff. I am a student and recently asked to be allowed to work in the branch near my house some 300 miles away from my university and current work location which is something that many do as the company are Nationwide. However my request has been rejected and I have been told I would have to move location or quit. This holiday I worked a few days and have just been called to advise by another Manager that the rota has been change without my knowledge and I will be in another location. On contating the organisation I was advised by the Assistant Manager that the Manager at the other location was trying to get hold of me. I advised I did not get a call and also I do not know this Manager. My question is, can your contact details be shared amongst the whole organisation for purposes to do with work rotas in different locations or should there be consent and agreement prior from the employee before this is shared?
Deetee 12/12/2019 at 6:53 pm
My partner works as an engineer in a local factory. At the end of the year each employee is given a bonus depending on their sickness, punctuality etc. He has just told me that the management put up a notice for all to see stating how much sickness each employee has had over that 12 month period. I work in healthcare and this would never happen! Is his employer in breach of privacy right? Thanks in advance
SKJ23 06/12/2019 at 4:21 pm
I have had an incident at work where a Rifle was pointed at me and it shook me up badly and was off sick for a while. One of the persons access the managers Mobile phone and gained my personal mobile number to contact me without any ones permission. I put a grievance in and this part of it was accepted i have since left under the circumstances could i claim for the GDPR breach?
Daver 01/12/2019 at 2:25 am
I had a co worker make my life hell out of work. When I quit her son came to my house to beat me up. While saying my mums seen all the messages you sent work about her. I’m not sure how to proceed?
Kriss 14/11/2019 at 1:28 pm
What if your company is following disciplinary action against an employee over private messages using personal phones outside of work?
Tightlines 02/11/2019 at 10:22 am
Center Parcs have just sent to staff a file containing the personal details for ALL employees. The file contains - name, address, national ins number, bank details and salary!
Amyy 27/10/2019 at 9:48 pm
I have been of work for 6 weeks as my arm was broken and I have had a operation this was due to domestic violent, my boss has told other employees about this and people that do not work for the company to and since I’ve been back to work has made me feel bad for having the time of even though I have been signed if, also on my sick note going back it said I should be phased into work but she has not honoured this
Woodys 23/10/2019 at 5:09 pm
My assistant came to me in confidence to inform me that my Manager has been searching though my families Social Media to basically look at the photos of the female members. I feel like this is inappropriate but I’m not sure If there’s any actual breach to Confidentiality or if it’s just inappropriate , I have reported this to another manager but the don’t think anything can be done.. any suggestions?
Bev 15/10/2019 at 8:53 pm
My address has been obtain from work and used to send a distressing Funky Pigeon card, can I log a grievance at work ?
Fruit Tree 12/09/2019 at 4:47 pm
Hi, my boss allows his partner (not an employee of the company) to go through the company files which include HR files, bank statements, financial documents etc. She has even had keys cut to all the cabinets. Is this allowed?
Bam1 09/08/2019 at 7:38 pm
I suspect a colleague of mine has looked at my medical records via the hospital records which we can access due to our job role. She has done this and found out about my recent surgery! How do I prove this ? And who can I report it too ?
Virgo 23/07/2019 at 7:54 pm
My employer sent me a email telling me the EDD will garnish my check and in the email there was an attachment when I open the attachment it belonged to another employee and had the notice EDD sent my employer with this employee personal info and SSN. When I told my employer about this they said sorry for the confusion and then they sent me my notice from the EDD. So my concern now is what if my employer sent my information to the wrong person. This has caused so much stress and I already have trust issues. What can I do about this? And can I be compensated for all the stress and discomfort this has caused me. And I feel my information is not safe with them. I told my friend about this and sarcastically he said poor guy are you going to sign up for credit cards with his ssn. This maybe was meant as a joke but I feel my reputation is being affected. Please tell me if I have a case here and any advice would be helpful
LDiva 19/07/2019 at 11:31 am
Hi,

I keep notes on a personal notebook which I keep in my handbag. My handbag is in another room behind my workstation and I'm pretty sure someone has been in there and been through my notes.
The notes are mainly about incidents at work. I'm a former union repand always advise people to keep notes about what is going on, especially if they intend to report things.
My question is, what can I do about this and what can the person do with the info gleened from my notebook? Everything in the book is factual so not worried about that.
Appreciate any advice you could give.

Regards,
Louise
SeanP 09/07/2019 at 8:28 pm
My wife was absent from work with a personal illness and her acting line manager put details of the condition my wife was suffering with on the online staff shift rota, that was accessible and visible to all her colleagues at her place of work causing distress and embarrassment . Is this a data protection breach and what should she do ?
Patty 02/07/2019 at 3:13 am
What do I do if my co workers are giving my address and phone number to clients at work without my permission and the boss has been told and hasn't done anything about it
Silverback 17/06/2019 at 10:15 am
My partner handed in her notice. On her last day at work she went to her locker to find the contents had been emptied out and left in a shared crew room. No request no notifications. Just bags thrown in a corner.
If it was after her last day I may excuse this insensitive action. But before she left is outrageous. Surely this is a breach of privacy and at least highly inappropriate.
It sums up the whole attitude this company has regatding confidentiality and GDPR. Ive e mailed in as I am furious as she always gave then her best and doesnt deserve being treated in such a way. Any advice please? Thanks
Lee38 04/06/2019 at 8:08 pm
Hi I have an investigation at work for breach of conduct . I work in a supermarket on a holiday resort. It’s about my old manager who was suspended but I did know for at least 1 or 2 weeks as she now works on a different department I heard from people talking in the queuing line I told 1 person thinking it common knowledge is this are they allowed to do this as the people who mentioned it saw her getting escorted of by security this doesn’t seem fair at all
Sez 22/05/2019 at 9:00 pm
A potential manager has asked hr my salary and has been provided it. I may or may not work for them going forward. Surely they should it have provided this confidential information to this person, especially without my permission.
MrB 21/05/2019 at 8:22 pm
I left my phone on my desk while the only employee of the office stayed in the room while I left and went out for a few minutes. On return I try to access my phone and I get my security code wrong, immediately it says I'm locked out for 5 minutes. Prior to this I was travelling with this employee for a few days and it's possible they saw the first digits of the code. Both of us are in probation, what should I do?
The boss 05/05/2019 at 2:48 pm
I have been off work through illness, mainly mental health and emotional issues, I have had the full backing of my GP and have submitted several sick notes, I was advised by my GP to take a break. During the time off I went on holiday, someone has printed a picture of me on holiday which they have downloaded from social media. They have handed it to my employer, who then refused to let me into the building to collect some personal belongings that a colleague had sorted for me. This has set me back weeks. I was feeling up to going back to work but not now. What can I do?
Ital 23/04/2019 at 10:17 am
Someone at work took a picture of me while on a break got the sack and wanted to know what action can be taken.
sunnydee 29/03/2019 at 12:29 pm
I unknowingly recorded and sent (unintentionally) a private conversation between myself and my husband, venting about work issues and some coworkers and now former managers. This personal conversation was accidentally recorded by me and was sent to a co-worker's voicemail (either his cell phone or his work phone, I'm not sure which channel.) The co-worker never told me about it and did let his manager (who is now my manager) listen. I just became aware of this because I had been experiencing hostility and sabotage from this coworker and I asked him why he was doing that. He then told me-in front of his now our manager-that I had accidentally sent him a voicemail of a conversation between my husband and I, venting and trashing some coworkers and some managment. This happend a year ago. I was never made aware of the discover. What should I do? I asked the coworker what he did with the message and he said he deleted it. What is the proper protocol in these instances?
Tomo1 14/02/2019 at 9:32 am
My manager has asked me to attend a disciplinary meeting as part of his evidence he has provided me with all members 15 of staff names and wages for January including hours gross pay and deductions.
Is he allowed to do this or does this come under the data protection act.
Anette 14/01/2019 at 4:43 am
My manager pull one of my friend I work with in the office and started asking him questions about my private life.
To be more specific, she asked him if I gave him a lift to work on a certain date like 4 months ago. And if I went home afterwards?
Random questions, I know. Then she said that the conversation was only between her and him and she doesn’t want him to discuss it with anyone else. Obviously, he told me. What should I do?? Think, my private life is non of her business and I don’t know what actions I should take. Why didn’t she ask me? She shouldn’t be asking this question right?
B 12/12/2018 at 11:26 am
I am being disciplined for breach of confidentiality and work sent the documents regarding the investigation to the wrong address what can I do about it, I have been to the address 3 times with no answer.?
GS 04/12/2018 at 10:05 am
I left my previous job in may of this year. When I was still working my notice my employer told clients personal information about me hoping to discredit my character. This information was incredibly sensitive to the point that my family doesn't even know about it. The only reason I found out is because one of the clients contacted me to tell me. What can I do?
The Vosester 02/12/2018 at 11:19 am
i had a grievance raised again me my employer gave me the colleagues statent and on it was the address phone number and email address of the accuser surely this a breach of data protection?
T 14/11/2018 at 1:02 pm
I was recently called to discipline at work to which I appealed against and was successful. The manager who brought the proceedings left all my personal disciplinary details open on their desktop allowing anyone to see which they did and informed me. I looked for my self and right enough there was my confidential information in full view. What are my rights please?
Ben 06/11/2018 at 3:20 pm
My employer opens all letters/packages addressed to me. Is this allowed?
Jacqs 05/11/2018 at 3:05 pm
I've recently found out that my manager had gone out of her way to find personal things, to me, about me. I then found out she had been telling colleagues and also other people in different departments. I have always stressed that my life is personal and that I don't want to discuss it in the workplace, but its been breached. Is there anything I can do about it?
Draven 23/10/2018 at 8:43 pm
My employees secretary gave out my personal details to another employee who wanted to know how long she’d been with the company. Now she’s going to everyone tell them what wages I’ve been on through the 20 years I’ve been their and what my hourly raid and wages are now.My payslip comes in a closed envelope with my name on it, so I think it’s right that she’s been give this details. Has my employees secretary breached data protection laws.
Gemd 26/09/2018 at 4:36 pm
I left an abusive relationship over 12 months ago, my ex partner worked along side my company in the same industry I have just handed my notice in and start a new job (fresh start) in a different industry and my boss has told my ex where I am going and when, can anyone help with what can I do about this?
Andrea 24/09/2018 at 7:23 pm
I have left my no and moved to another employer I rang my old no to get my payslipwhich I was told was there readynd waiting fire me I have gone in to get it and it is not there it has been left out in the open on the desk and obviously someone has taken it is this a breach of data protection please
MaY Editor 18/09/2018 at 9:41 am
@Charlotte - if it's for a child maintenance claim then your employer can release the details to CMS.
Charlotte 16/09/2018 at 8:02 pm
My employer which is a huge company have given out my personal information held in HR i.e my salary, and given them details to
My ex partner from 20 years ago. I have a meeting with the ethics manager and the data protection manager, what can I say to them
About this?
Windy 14/08/2018 at 6:44 am
My boss has given me a letter that another employee sent them to complain about me, but left that persons address visible, have they breached data protection?
Dave 22/07/2018 at 11:30 am
I manage a Guest House.
My receptionist has access to a shared computer file system, so that we can both access the files in both offices.

I have some confidential files on the shared system under my name, and too view any of them, she would have to go through 3 different sub files.

I was off on Thursday, and when I came in on Friday, over 10 files had been viewed through Word (as it showed up on the recently viewed with times for Thursday afternoon).

These included my CV, other staff members CV's who had applied for jobs, my managers reports to my bosses, also confidential files that she had no need to check, plus personal letters that I had sent.

There is no way she could accidentally view them.
So my question is, does this count as gross misconduct?

I also understand that I have the option of not having them on the shared system, but the problem with that, is if she is off or I am working from the other office, I don't have access to them which can be a pain in the ass.
I thought an element of Trust was there, now I know there isn't.

Would appreciate some advice?
Chelle 8 18/07/2018 at 11:12 pm
I was informed that my personal info dated 2017 was found on the shopfloor where I work behind the till what can I do is the company at fault as nobody knows how it got there as I didn’t put it there .what should I do ive told my manager and he has more or less said it’s locked away now leave it but it’s not the point
Will Editor 17/07/2018 at 12:24 pm
@Sue - I don't think so. There is not much you can do about it if it is except complain to your line manager.
Sue 16/07/2018 at 6:32 pm
I work for a company and they have given my phone number out to another employee with out my concent
Are they allowed to do this or is in breech of confidentiality
CR 11/07/2018 at 8:07 am
Hi there,
I currently work for my partners family run business as an acting office manager.
I am on annual leave now and two days ago my partner was contacted by his mum who was very angry about things I had said to other colleagues at work! She also asked why I had come off my contraceptive pill & why we hadn’t told the family we were trying for a baby!
Just to clarify I made one comment regarding my partners brother which was not offensive I just purely stated that I didn’t agree with soemthing he was doing & the other comment was a passing comment regarding myself & my partners relationship with his family and that we are always the “last to be invited to family events”! I wasn’t rude, hostile or negative about anything and what I have said had been gossiped about in the office, twisted & somehow made it back to my managaing directors wife? The comments were made over 3 weeks ago! & my partners mum isn’t a massive fan of me anyway. Not to forget I discussed coming off the contraceptive pill with one of my fellow colleagues who used to be a pharmacist assistant - as I had health issues and just wanted a little advise! 7 months later this is being discussed in the office and now my partners family think we are trying for a baby which couldn’t be further from the truth!

I’m really stuck and need some advice? It’s caused me to have anxiety on the last few days of my holiday - can I log a formal complaint to HR? I’m dreading going back to work and confronting my partners family!

Thank you x
Neil Editor 31/05/2018 at 2:42 pm
@RachOJE - social media is just that - it's a free-for-all. There is no breach of any data protection
RachOJE 29/05/2018 at 11:09 am
hello,
I have recently had a period of time off for Mental health problems and a family bereavement. While I was on time off I met up with some friends and put a photo on social media (they took me out to cheer me up). I keep my profile private from my boss.
An unknown colleague (who is one of my social media friends) printed this photo off and gave it to my boss.
Is this a breach of my data protection rights?
Thanks
Youngchef 19/05/2018 at 8:11 pm
Hello.

I have had my privacy invaded and I am very upset about this. I handed my notice in and told them a valid reason for leaving which was just to take the next step in my career. I was asked where my next job would be but I wanted this to be private so I told them I would rather not say. I haven’t told anyone in my workplace where I am going but I found out today that my governer(or owner) of the company has found out somehow and has told my boss. there was no way for him to know or find out unless he was trying really hard to know where I was going and I feel very disheartened after the hard work I have put in to his company. Anything I can really do? Thankyou x
Vampirediva 14/05/2018 at 2:13 pm
My practice has just been taken over by a corporate. I have been with the previous owner before the takeover for 9 years. My H.R file included my own personal details,medical information c.v references from previous employer and photo I.D so the usual items . I have been informed by our new manager that my H.R file is virtually empty and that a new request for the relevant data will be requested. The I am not the only member of staff this concerns. My main concern is where is my original data and can my old boss keep it.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 10/05/2018 at 2:42 pm
If you think you have been unfairly treated and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing
FMTB 09/05/2018 at 1:36 am
I am in situation where the office manager has went trough my draw and found pregnancy supplements. I know the draws are company property and I keep everything there on my risk. The problem is that he has shared this information to another manager who then went and discussed what supplements I am taking to all of my colleagues and in another office of the company. I have the right not to discuss my pregnancy until wk20, however this has been taken from me and I have received few calls from colleagues asking if it’s true... Please give me an advice?
Tony 27/03/2018 at 11:07 pm
A colleague at work has gained access to my personnel file and is using the information against me in a restructure. The colleague should not have any access to HR files, but has come upon some information. A) can they use this data b) can they be disciplined / dismissed for gathering info from a personnel file that isn't theirs and they have no right accessing?
Joe 27/03/2018 at 9:39 pm
I have requested my employer full access to my personal file. I have received a copy of my file with a lot information that are not necessary, ultimately affecting my reputation (investigations that I won with clear record on file, investigations that never happened, file notes about events that never happened, unnecessary information for longer than 3 years). I have referee the case to ICO. What else can I do?
Eee 12/03/2018 at 8:08 pm
My manager searched my bag when I was not there is this allowed
MattT* Editor 06/03/2018 at 2:07 pm
@Flair - It's a no brainer. If you have used your work email for private use, then your employer can access any emails in your work email in or outbox. If you wish to send private emails, then you should use your private email address, which can't be accessed by anyone else.
Flair 06/03/2018 at 4:54 am
Hi,
Great website by the way, so thank you in advance for this facility.
Recently returned from leave to find in my absence that my line manager has been given access to my work mailbox. The reason being that mail forwarding was erroneously going to another colleague and legitimately to my line manager.
Apparently this was the only way to overcome the erroneous forwarding.
I was devastated to return to this news as while I had granted permission for new incoming emails to be accessed I certainly in no way authorised access to my entire mailbox. Which contains a few emails for me only. I consider this a breach of my personal information and violated regardless whether any of this information was read or used.
I rarely use my work email for private use so in no way have I overstepped the mark here.
What are my rights here and what action can be taken considering the above?
Porter 23/02/2018 at 5:45 am
A colleague left a drive open on a pc which is normally restricted and you need certain user permissions to open. Another colleague accessed personal data from the folders on this drive. They showed me a passport, cv and photograph. I told them to get out the drive and not to go back in to it. They made a joke and said they could copy the whole drive and no one would know they were showing me various external drives. I felt I had been put in a bad position by this colleague. The following day I thought about confronting this colleague and asking if they had copied the drive before speaking to my line manager. I decided not to ask. Having reflected on it I asked my IT department can you see what was copied and to where? They have now reported my query to my managing partner who has pulled me in to ask why I wanted to know this information. I told her what had happened. I am now under threat of losing my job because I did not report it to my boss right away.
Morgan 14/02/2018 at 11:41 am
I am classed as the perpetrator in this instance and would like to know the most likely outcome for any disciplinary action when I am called in.
I came across a colleagues salary on a sheet of paper left in the printer tray as I collected my own paperwork (I did not actively seek this information).
I then searched the web to see if it was legal to discuss this information with my other colleagues and came across this statement on the ACAS website:
'The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to prevent employees from having discussions to establish if there are differences in pay. However, an employer can require their employees to keep pay rates confidential from people outside of the workplace'.
Rightly or wrongly, I saw this as the green light to talk to my other coworkers.
This information has now got back to HR as somebody has obviously made a complaint against me.
Word has spread quickly and I have even had a senior manager ask me how much was the salary I saw.
Where do you think I stand on disciplinary action being taken?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 12/02/2018 at 12:41 pm
You would have to speak to your employer or HR directly regarding this matter, as all emails should be private and confidential. Likewise, your employer should have a privacy policy which you can request. If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing
Shaun 10/02/2018 at 9:02 pm
Great website very interesting, I do have a question about my personal information at work, in 2015 i was off work for 5 weeks due to metal health issues and in my time of i was asked to contact my employer i found it best to email as i was having a hard time talking to people. I sent a very personal email about my health to my head of HR. Now in 2018 i was told that everybody in the company had access to read every email private or for work that leaves or comes into the company, as long as you log into a computer ( passwords are always an employees initials and we can not change them ) then you can read every email on the system from or to any member of staff, I have found my personal email still on the system and after talking to other employees have found that my email has been read many times without my permission, this has made me feel very upset and unconformable as there was sensitive date in the email. Is this legal by my company and can i get them to remove my email? thanks for any help.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 09/02/2018 at 11:38 am
Much depends upon the reasons why your work has phoned your other place of work. We cannot answer a question based upon so little information.
Amac 09/02/2018 at 6:37 am
I requested an Roe from the HR department at my workplace and I received someone else's. With their full name, address, financial information/ income, information on their type of leave. If I have all this personal information on someone, it leads me to believe that someone else got mine.
How do I handle this with my employer. I'm annoyed that it has happened and that someone else propably has my information.
I'm mad for myself and for the woman who's information I was sent, and who's privacy and information was exposed to a stranger.
bobxo 08/02/2018 at 6:58 pm
If my main work phones my second work place without my permission is this a breach of data protection
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 26/01/2018 at 10:17 am
You would have to speak to your line manager about this matter directly.
Lisa 25/01/2018 at 11:27 am
I work for the Customer Services department for a franchise of a large food retail company. One of the employees has given my personal phone number to a customer for the second time despite my telling them the correct procedure after this had happened the first time. Is this acceptable?
redman1879 23/01/2018 at 1:27 pm
Hi,

I have mental health problems, I discussed this with my HR officer in worker who had to tell my boss as they pay for counselling, Now he has told everyone in my office that I have mental health problems and I am going to counselling, now I feel even worse than before is my boss allowed to let all my colleagues know about my issues?
Rae 18/01/2018 at 8:13 pm
My colleague went into my drawers and searched a personal bag, with both work & personal documents in, on a day when i was not in the office. She then had our manager search the bag, again on a day when i was not present.
According to HR dept, anything in the office is 'fair game' for anyone to look at.
The issue was that they thought a work document shouldn't have been accessible - drawers had no lock. Strangely, the manager then left the bag on top of my keyboard with a note to file appropriately.
I feel my privacy has been completely violated by both.
Does my colleague or manager have the right to do this?
Cazza 26/12/2017 at 9:29 pm
Is it OK for a new colleague to put the working days and hours of all other colleagues on the same department in his phone for his own records. He is trying to take as much overtime as he wants which is upsetting other colleagues. I am furious to learn he has my working pattern in his possession and feel this is a breach of my privacy what can I do
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 30/11/2017 at 3:03 pm
If your employer has concerns or a complaint about your work, they may decide to take disciplinary action against you.There are a number of reasons why your employer may decide to take disciplinary action against you. These include your: behaviour at work, absence from work and/or standard of work. Please see CAB link here which should help answer your question.
Jan 30/11/2017 at 10:12 am
Myself and 3 colleagues have got private messenger on are phones where we can all talk to each other, we all was complaining about things that was going on in work, and how we are not happy with are boss, calling her a slave driver, and how where gonna look for another job, but the boss seen part of the message on friends phone, and now she gave us all letters and put in our files, can she do this
Steveb 10/11/2017 at 5:13 pm
My very large utility company has a 201 page report on me following alleged bully and harassment against myself , following an external company carrying an investigation I was cleared of all allegations. I was removed from my role on the evidence of the report supposedly for my own good, I still work for the company but in a different dept ,but ,the person/s who made and backed the false allegations took two years sick leave to avoid facing the recommendations of the external company and face legal actions of lying,after the two years he was allowed back in to the company and to take up his old role. I have requested the 201 report but I'm told that due to it having several different employees named in the report I'm not allowed to see it, yet I'm aware of the people in the report as at the time I was managing these people and had to release them to attend at the time what I was informed as interviews by the external source to aid there understanding of the whole investigation.Im told I can request this report but it maybe doctored so i cannot see the names of other people in the report.....is this correct?
Skye 25/09/2017 at 5:41 pm
Grandson at work, working as apprentice property manager. The director for some reason has a problem with him and is always trying to make his life difficult.
The latest being:- he went to the toilet and took his mobile with him as young ones do, she followed and stood outside the door whilst he was sat there! his phone rang... upon answering he told caller he would call back at 5pm. The director then confronted him as soon as he exited the toilet and had a go at him, surely this is classed as invasion of his privacy and she shouldn't be allowed to do this. Your advice would be most welcome.
Bevvy 18/09/2017 at 9:35 pm
An ex director removed for gross misconduct left his bank details opein his works computer. The account page opened to see if any money had been taken. It had not so the conputer was closed down.
What offence had been commited when nothing was changed or removed?
Winnie2033 12/09/2017 at 7:24 pm
My HR has sent 650 employees p60 to a warehouse worker who has leaked information regarding wages and tax information what can I do.
SKO 05/09/2017 at 7:37 pm
I was recently informed that a coworker saw some of my private information (really just how much I make and how many hours I got for the pay period) and has shown another coworker. The first coworker approached our manager upset with how much I am being paid and the hours I worked. My manager said she had left the hours she sent in face down in the fax machine so he had to go looking for the information. Upon reviewing the camera's that are in her office she was able to see everything he did, including bring in the second coworker and show him. I am new here and feel very uncomfortable that this happened. Is there anything I can do to assure that this never happens again?
Londonisto 14/08/2017 at 10:06 am
Morning,
I am in between changing jobs and have been told a week ago by my manager to stay home until my notice ends at the end of this month as my replacement was already planned.
A couple of days later as I wanted to access my work e-mail to print confidential information such as bonuses, communication between my head of department about things at work I realised that my e-mail had been changed to the name of one of my colleagues.
I did set up in the past an emergency recovery e-mail in case I forget the password of my work email.
When the email address got changed I received notifications that my email had been set up and accessed on another device (my colleague's mobile). A couple of days later I receive another one saying that the emergency email had been changed.
I suspect that the company only changed the name and password of my email to the ones of my colleague but don't have a clue if the emails have been deleted.
I sent her a message with no response.
Is all this right?
Thank you
Mark 07/07/2017 at 6:48 pm
I am in the process of being disciplined at work and have been told that my manager has discussed the disciplinary with other staff members inbetween meetings what should I do and what is the likely outcome
Jade 09/06/2017 at 12:15 pm
I recently left my job three months ago and hadn't received my p45 or p60 I then had received a phone call from a person who works at the school stating my p45 and p60 had been sent to her address and she had opened the letters assuming it was hers as she didn't check the name at the front. This however holds all my earning my national insurance date of birth and full name on it. Is this breach of data protection ?
Jan Editor 17/05/2017 at 3:08 pm
@Aisha - just ignore it. The guy obviously likes you - but he said he'll get the hint if you say no. If he doesn't get the hint then you should say something! J
Aisha 17/05/2017 at 12:59 pm
I recently left work and have received a good luck card in the post from someone who worked in another department, claiming they feel that there is some attraction and asking me to contact them if I'm interested. I spoke to this person on all of two occasions - once he complimented my new haircut and I said t thank you, the second time he emailed me directly to wish me luck after I sent the whole department a joint email to say bye before I left. Again I responded politely. I never went out of my way to engage with him and definitely didn't give him any contact details, most definitely not my address. His message read that if I don't respond he'll get the hint. My initial reaction was to ignore it but I'm actually really annoyed that he took my personal address from my records. I don't want anyone to get into trouble but don't think I shouldn't say anything either. Any advice?
Wolfy 03/05/2017 at 3:48 pm
I found out my manager has been keeping his own little files on all of the guys on his shift including me. He has already used them to get rid of one person. I also found out my boss is in on it to. They have been having meetings when my shift manager is on his off days. These are not official staff records. Is this allowed as I'm worried he is going to go after me next.
Shannon 28/04/2017 at 9:39 am
I recently left my job and have now found out my ex-boss is telling customers and, in one case my friend (which is how I now know, about private matters in my life, spreading untrue rumours, and generally sharing information iv only shared with her because of who she was. Is there anytbing I can do as I really don't want it to carry on, what she's telling people is really very private and not at all something I was going to tell many people but now half of my town knows

Thanks in advance
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 21/04/2017 at 10:42 am
We can't predict how your employer came by your page, but an employer is within its right to access any material published in the public domain, which Facebook is.
Lolpoppy 20/04/2017 at 2:54 pm
Something I posted on Facebook was "brought to the attention" of my management and I was given a disciplinary hearing for breach of trust.. I don't have where I work on Facebook and I am not friends with people from work.. does this mean they have gone looking? Is this not allowed though? What can I do?! I'm so frustrated, I wish I could walk out
Failed 26/02/2017 at 2:17 pm
I recently found through litigation that an employee, not my superior took it upon herself to look at a confidential offical record (a time record) and make a false claim related to my time record. This record was confirmed as confidential and ultimately lead to my termination. This record also had a 3rd party writing on it, someone had altered my record. I also found through litigation that my termination was agreed upon prior to any information I had provided and prior to an investigation. My investigation was conducted by the same people that had wanted me terminated under a prior and seperate company and that they had no approval from the first company, but had waited until the new corporation took over and then were able to obtain false and conspired statements. I had made a compliance hotline request per policy related to my director cursing and yelling at staff that was never returned or followed up on. At litigation the director did admit to this behavior, yet no reprimand was ever made. This corporation has a very detailed policy and procedure employee handbook and that policy was not followed per the corporation's own admission. They in fact stated that they pick and choose who they hold to policy and who they do not. I also found that the person that recommend my termination called me a "problem child" without further knowledge of what the situation was. The approval for my termination was given 3 days before my statement was even asked or provided. When I had attempted to ask for an appeal was told "not to bother," and found by litigation that the exact same ones involved in the termination process would be the same ones an appeal would have went to. What's the point of an appeal process if those exact same ones that terminated me would also be the exact same ones to decide my appeal? Since these findings were not known until litigation and the time frame to file an EEOC complaint has passed what can be done? I am having a difficult time with understanding why this is fair business practices, especially when a termination of another employee terminated after myself was done per policy. Is this discrimination and is this also possibly a whistle-blower case?
WWWD 21/02/2017 at 7:00 pm
I recently found out my employer has shared personal information (health) with another company. There are parties at both companies that are acquaintances, but not professionally linked. I know who is responsible for sharing this information as no one else was aware about my situation except a select few at my company (HR, manager etc.). I had pervious issues with my employer which lead to my health issues. I am unsure how I should approach the situation.
Little_one 13/02/2017 at 2:20 am
I am 21 years old and my manager told my mother about my tartness at work. My question is did she have the right to do that?
Louise 11/02/2017 at 8:33 am
I was just finishing my shift when my boss pulled me aside & said "you'll be getting £500 on Tuesday" (not payday) I was like great whys that though? An she said "it's a bit of a scam but my relative works in a college and he gets so much money of the government for funding, he just needs 90 names so I've rallied round everywhere getting as many names as I can, I don't really know how it works but you'll get 500 in your bank on tuesday! I didn't think nothing of it cause I didn't know what the hell she was on about. Anyway few days later maybe a week, I had a letter saying your advanced learner loan has been approved, an said what course I'm on an everything the loan was £4670.. that's when I started to panic so I rang the number on the letter to cancel it an they said they can't do that because all the security measures have passed at the college and I have been attending the college.. bare in mind the college is in Swindon an I live and work in Liverpool.. I told him someone used my name an details an he said sorry you'll have to contact the college yourself and that I would be the one that's liable to pay it back if I just ignore it cause it's in my name bla bla bla... anyway I just want advice on how to handle it, if I ring the college her brother could get in trouble an im just scared of things being awkward in work.. what do I do???
jojo 26/01/2017 at 5:12 am
i was asked to come into the conference room by my manager where my other manager and my coworker was in also. the door was left open. my manager told me that i was suspended for a couple days- IN FRONT OF MY COWORKER AND WITH THE DOOR WIDE OPEN. Isn't that disobeying employee confidentiality? Can I act on this?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 17/01/2017 at 12:33 pm
If you feel you cannot return to work because of the issues, unless you raise a grievance then the matter will not be officially dealt with. You may wish to get some advice from ACAS if you need to explore your options and rights.
blodwyn 16/01/2017 at 5:57 pm
I don't want to return to work I'm so humiliated and been depressed since I don't trust my employer anymore as the past 2years have been hell. What can i do?
blodwyn 16/01/2017 at 5:53 pm
A folder was found on our it system in another location. This folder was created by a manager and titled arse covering and not securely stored on the systems information regarding my health, recent stress breakdown, my disclosure to manager of an attended mental health assessment by the primary mental health service and information to a grievance investigation where I was aggressively assualted by a colleague who just happened to be a friend of the manager was with in this folder. Several members of staff have read the contents and i have seen the contents myself. I have raised concerns formally however not a grievance they have said it was a mistake and that's that.
Jazz 30/12/2016 at 10:59 pm
My new employer sent off reference requests to my referees and as well as including my new job description, also disclosed my future salary and annual leave entitlement. Surely this is irrelevant when asking for references?
Dannib 08/12/2016 at 4:23 pm
I recently applied for a job sending my CV through to the store. 30 minutes from sending my information I get flirtatious messages from an unknown number saying my name, telling me he wants me and asking if I'm single along with a few other messages. Not knowing who it was I put his number into Facebook and it pops up the profile of a sales person at the store I've just applied for... I carry on to try and find out if he will tell me the truth but nothing. So my partner and his friend are very good friends with the bosses and start asking questions for me and the guy goes into defence mode and says that his sim card had been cloned and he had nothing to do with it... he's still denying it but it has been sent to there head office. I'm concerned that this individual has accessed other sensitive information of mine like my address and could do this again to another female without her knowledge. I don't know him nor has he ever met me and there are far too many coincidences for his story to be real so I definitely feel as though he obtained my information in breach of data protection. If he isn't disciplined at work what route can I take it instead?
Thanks for your help
NJM77 Editor 09/12/2016 at 10:00 am
@AJ - this is not a case for financial 'compensation' - the worst that will happen is that your co-worker will get a disciplinary warning for doing something she wasn't supoosed to be doing. Nick.
AJ 08/12/2016 at 12:40 pm
I was in work yesterday and vitnessed a co worker remotely logging in to my PC from another location. The computers at my work are shared so I don't keep lots of private things on them. But on this occasion I had just handed in my notice and had 3 drafts of my resignation letter. To my astonishment I caught her reading through not one but all 3 versions. She thought I was away at a meeting and not in the office. It wasn't even an accident she was clearly looking for something specific and my letters were the target. I let her read all she wanted. But the screen on my PC shows what is being view and done while she is remotely connected. So I filmed everything she went into and read. I have since passed this on to management.

What I want to know is, has the company failed in their duty to protect my privacy and do I have a case for compensation?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 06/12/2016 at 11:50 am
You can either speak to your colleague directly and tell her of your concerns. Or, you can try solving the problem or concern informally by talking to your manager. If you are still not satisfied, then the next procedure is to raise a grievance, please see gov.uk which
mandi 05/12/2016 at 5:55 pm
Im having an issue at work where another colleague had told the area manager my relationship status with the store manager but not only had she told him due to her having issues she has now also felt like she has had to mention it to a third party. She is constantly checking up on the work i do and making complaint to other colleagues when its nothing to do with her as she doesnt take over at the end of my shift she is also accusing me of things im not doing which is one thing she had been called up on due to herself being court doing something she wasnt supposed to be doing . I am feeling harrased by this women i feel my privacy is being interfeered with i feel like shes trying to fource me out of the job. What can i do.
Mum 17/11/2016 at 4:06 pm
My son work for a large well known UK bank in their call center. He was absent from work with low mood anxiety and depression. While he was off the daily absence record was emailed to all staff instead of HR. His name, condition and reason for absence was at the top of the list. There are over 100 people on the floor. He returned to work but couldnt cope with the paranoia and increased anxiety this caused him. Colleagues approached him with questions and confirmed that the email had been seen by many. He spoke with his manager about the email and was told it was a mistake but that was it. He has just resigned and is at an all time low. This was his first employed position and his long term depression was known to the company. Any advice?
JOJo Editor 18/11/2016 at 9:54 am
@KP Yes, but without the proof there's not a lot your office manager can do, unless others in the office are willing to speak out. Snapchat images disappear do there is no proof :(
KP 17/11/2016 at 1:31 am
A couple of coworkers are always taking pictures and /or videos of other employees at work during work hours, in a private medical practice, without their knowledge or consent and posting them on Snapchat or texting them to their friends with some sort or caption or disfigurement making light of them during working hours. This has been brought to the office managers attention but she said without the pictures she can not do anything about it. Isn't this illegal, an invasion of privacy?
Distressed 15/11/2016 at 11:12 pm
I left an employer 3 ago and have since heard from a member of the old team that the manager went into my LinkedIn profile as me and read my inbox messages out to the team (6 employees). The social media account was rarely used as part of my working day although was needed as a resourcing tool. The work desktop I used automatically saved the password and I didn't change it when leaving- this didn't cross my mind as andshownyone needing the account would know it was under my login details.
Where do I stand regarding her reading the messages out to the team??

Thanks
Rapid 14/11/2016 at 6:55 pm
Hi my found a lump on her breast and went to the doc's and phoned about what was going to happens I told my manager about what's happens and I may need time off and not to say nothing to no one.I only told a trusted friend about what happens so only 2 people knows what happening.later that day my friend text me saying that the manager told someone what happend
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 14/11/2016 at 12:05 pm
I am afraid we cannot advise you what to say. I can only point you to a CAB link that will instruct you how to prepare and what you can expect at the meeting
Jward 13/11/2016 at 4:16 pm
Hello,

On a group private facebook chat between employees I made a single comment a joke about our clients overall. I have now been suspended. I didnt disclose any confidential information or talk about anything specific just said I dispised them. I have now been suspended for this comment along with 5 others.
What can I say at my hearing. I'm so confused?
Sarahdavis90 09/11/2016 at 9:29 pm
I resigned at my current company after over hearing constant gossiping and lies from my manager after leaving I was told that manager read personal text messages between myself and her to the whole team in a board meeting and mocked them stating I was lying about a bereaved parent

Thanks
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 09/11/2016 at 1:42 pm
Please see ACAS link here which shows how employers should deal with the request for flexible working. If you do not find the information you need in this document, you may wish to give ACAS a direct call. Its advisers will be able to tell you whether your husband's employer is dealing with the process in a fair and reasonable manner.
Mad mum 08/11/2016 at 8:59 pm
My husband has had a formal request for flexible working turned down. This request was for child care reasons and to enable me to start a University course through my employment. I have previously had to turn down promotions and training opportunities due to child care issues and his shift pattern. His company are asking for details regarding my employment (hours worked / whether I work flexible hours (I do) ) I have also in the past been asked to prove that I have had a major operation so that they will give him carers leave. Can they ask this information from me.
InquiringMinds 03/11/2016 at 11:22 pm
I am a low level employee with a firm education in computers. My manager asked me to get some safety files out of a folder today, but also become familiar with the drive. I came across a folder called HR which I probably should not have access to. In this folder were so many sub folders including salary information on 222 people within my company from the President down. There are so many more personal and confidential folders and files it's scary. If this is totally accessible to me, it is accessible to everyone. Who do I contact to get this locked. This is not a small company globally, so I feel like I may be disposed of if I bring it up to someone, but if I don't I feel someone could potentially use it.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 01/11/2016 at 12:21 pm
It is highly unlikely this would happen in a work environment and I'm sure they will turn up in the future. Therefore, you can only voice your concerns to your HR/HQ dept and ask them to contact you if the originals turn up.
Curly 31/10/2016 at 5:01 pm
At the beginning of the calendar year I was requested to provide personal information in connection with DBS check ie. passport, driving licence and a current bill with my home address. I presented them to my line manager who photo copied the documents and personally delivered to a mail tray in our HQ.
Since then I have been asked to produce the documents again as the original copies disappeared.
I am very concerned that this information may have fallen into the wrong hands and I could have my ID stolen.
The Wife 22/10/2016 at 4:49 pm
I'm pretty sure this is breach of data protection, can someone clarify?

My husband is one of 4 managers within a branch, they have a handover book which includes any details other managers should be aware of when it's their shift. This book is not locked away and is kept on the desk in the office, all staff have access to this room. When arriving at work today, he checked the book and there is an entry written by the general manager that says my husband's name and next to it, the word 'disciplinary'.

My husband has not received notice of a disciplinary so we will have to wait and see what that is about. Is his line manager allowed to write about a potential personnel matter in a shared document? I would have thought that this should only be disclosed in his personnel file?

Any advice gratefully received.
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 06/10/2016 at 2:20 pm
In this case I suggest you give ACAS a call
Elasp 06/10/2016 at 2:57 am
I am in possession of a recording that was accidently left on another someone elses voicemail about me. The recording is a conversation of my manager telling 2 other people my medical and sickness information, details of work based telephone conversations with him and lies as to what was said in those conversations. He discloses personal family data of other members of my family and and a situation that i told him in confidence about due to its impact to a work situation. It also includes him refering to me in a very dirogitory manner with the use of profanity, and the use of my full name and previous surname. The voicemail is also on the phone of an employee who works in the same building as me but for a totally different company, therefore also indicating that one of the 2 poeple my manager is discussing my private data with also works for a totally seperate company.

Added to this is also that in the last 12 months my company has upheld a grievance i raised and admitted the loss of a hard copy of my personal file.

Any information or advice would be a help to how to proceed with this, thanks all.
mick 28/09/2016 at 10:13 pm
hi
I lost my phone which was then found by a colleague who went through the content of my phone before handing in to the work place when he did hand it in he high lighted to the employer some information that he had found on my phone my employer then stated I had brought my phone into the work place the phone was found in the car park where it had dropped so my employer lied to me to gain information from me regards the content on my phone the employer has now passed my phone on to another party to see if an investigations needs to take place how do I stand under data protection and invasion of privacy on my phone was reference to weed be used
Lily 11/09/2016 at 10:32 pm
My husband is associated in a business and his partners is accusing him of doing business for his personal benifit. whiles on vacation his business partner's two daughters came from overseas and took his CPU and travelled back with it. She got a technician to acess all the information from it. He came from vacation the following day and took a flight to get it back, however she was through accessing it so she handed it back to him. She also threatened an employee to lose his job if he did not break into my husband's drawer. Her felt threated and broke into the drawer she left with majority of his documents from the drawer. She sent an email to say they will be back with a lawyer in 2 weeks
jtre 08/09/2016 at 2:39 pm
I had a grievance put in against me by a guy i was seeing at work after it ended badly between us (i broke up with him and he wasnt happen with it ending) .I was suspended on full pay pending the investigation in which time he left the company I was found to be guilty on one of the counts ( a text that they confirmed was ambiguous but felt it was enough to give me a warning over). Upon returning to work after my initial suspension from the grievance i was made to feel very bad and went to HR to tell them that i was being spoken about and treated appallingly by the friends of the guy who put the grievance in. Nothing was done about this, i told them that i am losing my hair from the stress. I have since been harassed by my HR team,i have been called in to 4 meetings stating there are complaints about me again and they need to investigate The last meeting was with regards to a post id put up on facebook (and swiftly removed within the hour of posting it) they have obtained a screen shot of the post. My facebook is completely private and i have only a couple of current colleagues on there. I have also NEVER access my facebook on any computers at work. Legally can they investigate this post and furthermore fire me?
Kat 05/09/2016 at 8:17 pm
My daughter feels she is being bullied at work in a dental practice she is on a apprenticeship she's been struggling with her menstrual cycle her boss told her he and the other male dentists were talking about her periods and she should get the coil, he is now asking for a letter from her Gp to prove she has had it fitted this can't be right? Any advice please
Courts 25/08/2016 at 8:54 pm
Hi,

2 members of staff are contacting my area managers partner (who is mentally ill in the sense she's threatened me for months just because I'm a female and young) they are feeding her false information about what is happening in our office between myself and the AM. They are telling her when we have business trips how long I'm in his office for and basically going out their way to make her super paranoid even more. She's been trying to find out where I live and I refuse to update my new address because the 2 people breaching DPA have already told her I've moved and to which town and I'm scared they'll actually provide her with my address. They are contacting her via Facebook and the only way they could of gotten her details is by accessing my AM personal details on the system and looking at his next of kin.

I am confronting the two disgusting specimens tomorrow but I need to know what I can do.

One it's harassment and they are well aware of the threats I've been getting for months and the fact she's turned up at work already once. Two, they've accessed my AM's details without his permission, three, they're putting me in danger, four, it's just dam right disgraceful and bulling.

These two people already got me suspended a couple of months back for things I didn't do, it was proven it was all lies and off the back of it I was promoted. But it looks as if they are going out their way to make my working life hell.

Please advise me what to do. And what offence in work they are committing. Also do you think I should get the police involved?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 23/08/2016 at 9:59 am
You should certainly make a formal complaint if you believe your details have been accessed wrongly. The fact your manager has read your private messages is an infringement of your privacy. There is a difference between seeing your open Facebook page and accessing private correspondence within that Facebook page. You may wish to give ACAS a call to seek some advice about raising a grievance, You can also have a 'live chat' via the ICO link here which may help you further.
Leanne 22/08/2016 at 2:19 am
Whilst at work I was asked to make staff I.d badges. And in order to obtain suitable photos of everyone with ease I requested permission to take one from each employees facebook page, I was permitted to do so. So I logged onto my personal facebook account on the office computer and away I went. Only when I finished I forgot to log my account off. Now the issue I have is that my manager has gained access to my very private messages (she claims by accident) and has printed them off to use in a case against me using my phone at work. Now what I want to know is is this a breach of my privacy? I feel like is it especially given the personal content of the messages and especially seen as though she merely needed the open facebook to see who was logged in and not scroll through my messages. She has printed at least 6 pages of my messages and claims the content is of no interest to her, but if it wasn't she wouldn't have needed that much just to prove I was messaging at work right?
Nikita 21/08/2016 at 7:08 pm
I don't know how to go about what's happened at my work, I recently moved house and there's so many people and companies you have to inform, that I forgot to tell my council that I was moving - which then on the 07/07/16 my work place received a letter off them addressed as PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL(Work address)It was a letter off the council stating a bill I owe them and to get in touch as soon as. I received this letter weeks after they had opened it, on the 28/07/16 opened without an envelope and the girl that openEd it had circled my address and wrote "noticing council of your new address. I went to my manager and asked where the envelope was, he didnt know said it got put on his deck of the girl exactly how I recieved it. At this point I rang and set up a payment, to then a few days later she came up and made me sign something while I was in a call, it was a attachment of earning as I hadn't got in touch with them in 2 weeks they was taking it out of my wage, which then I rang the council and they said my payment plan is void as it had been took to court. now I'm angry and upset that I didn't receive the letter in it's original envelope on the day or at least the day after it was delivered not over 2 weeks later where it had messed me up. Also had my letter written on which annoyed me more. Is this allowed and if not how do I go about doing something about it. Thanks nikita
Kay 30/07/2016 at 7:08 pm
Hi
Went on leave for a few days, returned to find the desk drawers which I locked and hid the key, the drawers were opened key broke in lock, my personal papers taken and other work related documents rifled through. Reported this to manager and nothing has been done as they fear apportioning blame to anyone. In addition I had suspicions, as did several colleagues and they have spoken to others re this. I find myself being blamed for things I did not say or do.

What do I do?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 29/07/2016 at 2:39 pm
I am sorry to hear this. If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing, please see gov.uk which
SkyeBox 29/07/2016 at 4:48 am
I fell ill recently and have all the doctors note for the hr department. When I called I told my manager I am unable to work and that I was in the hospital she then said not to worry everything will stay with me. Now everyone in my store knows of my illness and won't stop bugging me. What do I do is she in the wrong since I only told her and no one eles
Nini 28/07/2016 at 10:52 pm
I started a job in 3/2016 and from the beginning it seemed that the ssupervisor didnt like me (why hire me then), my life at this job has been a liliving hell as my supervisor let the coworkers do anything they want to. The coworkers say how people never stay an always leave even after a few days they just walk out and never come back. They do everything to me (coworkers) like mess with the computer and delete the work I do, also say comments not to me but out loud about me, and today was it someone went into my desk and went into my desk snd put hair in my sandwich. How do I know, well when i came back from the bathroom i saw my desk draw had been opened and my lunch bag was hanging out the draw. I feel so violated as people are going through my personal stuff. My supervisor does not listen when I made a complaint last week about the computer issue and she sees all going on and does nothing what can I do as this is becoming a real problem. What should I do?
Kezzar 16/07/2016 at 5:34 am
At a meeting my boss handed me a printout where she had been monitoring my movements around the building over three month period . As some of my signing in times did not match with the times of my card swipe she put me under investigation. This cause me extreme stress. I was later told that she was not allowed to do this but the printout was given to her by a temporary member of staff . I have been told what she has done is illegal especially as they have just dropped the case and I was told I will never get an apology from her
minas 10/07/2016 at 6:22 am
my colleague use another key to open where i put my personal things without my permission.and she did not tell me.when i ask her she refuses to apologise.what do i do?do i have a case against her?thank you
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 07/07/2016 at 11:13 am
It depends upon what the issues are, if they are professional/performance issues then your employers will have to discuss these with others. If they are personal issues and you think your director has overstepped the mark after being asked, or is treating you unfairly then your option is to raise a grievance, please see ACAS which
Tammy 06/07/2016 at 10:52 am
I ask my director at work not to discuss issue with me around other mangement because I felt like they personal didn't like me in the near future and they continue doing...Is this legal
Thanks
Mousey 02/07/2016 at 2:47 pm
I was off sick & my boss posted on company Facebook page that I was off sick & what my illness was! How do I complain about this??
Ladyboy 16/06/2016 at 9:25 pm
Hi..My manager left a sick note and a back to work interview on her desk for other staff members to see..both documents belong to two members of staff..I was so angry that I took a pic of each document and took it to the head office.As this is not the first time this as happened..I have not disclosed this to the team members.any idea has to what will happen next please..thanks in advance
Bigbob 09/06/2016 at 8:11 pm
I asked a colleague, (equal grade) to pass a medical referral form to a subordinate as I would not be in work to do it myself. I did not seal the envelope. Have I breached her personal data under DPA?
Abc3 22/05/2016 at 8:01 pm
I'm currently awaiting a diciplinary at work and I beleve my line manager has breach my confidence by leaving diciplinary investigation statements on a computer for everyone to see . My collegue noticed these documents and told me that they were asked to scan them for him . These documents have been left on the computer which every single person uses . Can anyone offer any advice regarding this
ConcernedEmployee 14/05/2016 at 9:46 pm
I've not long been in a new role at a software company and only recently I have become aware that (quite possibly from day one) my boss and other members of my department have been consistently going through my personal data from home, this includes browsing data, personal emails and potentially anything else linked to my google account.I became aware that through google chrome all my personal data was being synced, I had a program that was supposed to wipe any such data but this appears to have not been working.I started to become aware of this after I noticed I was receiving strange comments and attitudes from colleagues and members of staff and this culminated in one evening when I made some searches online regarding this.The following day I over heard comments saying he knows now.This whole thing has really terrified me and has left me feeling violated in a way I have never experienced before.At no point had they stated this was going on nor given any valid reason for doing so.Clearly such private information I do not wish to share with work colleagues and at no point was I using the work computers for anything other than what I was supposed to be doing.I think also details about my private life have been spread around the business and I don't know how to proceed from here.The whole thing has really stressed me out and I have recently had to take time off sick due to it.I want to ensure any such data they hold is deleted and this voyeuristic game (this is how it seems) of theirs to come to an end.Please advise, many thanks.
Leakeydee 30/04/2016 at 9:59 am
I work in a car sales company and the privacy of sales people is really abused. We are always watched through CCTV by managers and some training personnel upstairs, it feels like we are criminals and we don't have any privacy. There are microphones everywhere and as colleagues, we can not have any private conversation as someone upstairs is always listening. Many times we would get phone calls from upstairs and get asked what our conversation was about when it was all private. This has built fear withing the sales people and we feel like we are in prison.
We have radios that we use for internal communications.... on this radio, as long as you have it in you, even if you're in the toilet, they can tap into your conversation and listen to everything. We are scared to carry our radios due to that, but managers have been given strict instructions that sales people must have their radios on them at all times and make sure that they're switched on.
My company could go as far as taking an employees mobile phone to go through your messages if they suspect that you chat something with another employee.
Sales people in my company don't seem to know their rights and its very sad.
jp01 27/04/2016 at 7:00 am
hi my company sent a marketing mailer out and inadvertently included my personal mobile number not my work mobile. When confronted it was brushed aside. Does anyone know how serious a breach this is please as it feels a lot more serious then i am being led to believe. Thanks
Laing 21/04/2016 at 9:36 pm
Hi lately girlfriend has been applying for new jobs and on her work PC On a shared folder each employee in her department have a folder each. In my girlfriends folder she then had private folder and work folder. Then in that she had a folder named cv which obviously is her cv . Today at work her boss has told her that the other members of her department have taken copy's of her cv and been in the private folder and used them as templates for there's. So basically they have taken lots of data on my girlfriend and her boss has told her not to say anything and brush it under the carpet. She's really not happy do you think my girlfiend has a good reason to fight for something to be done about it and what would be the best way keeping in mind that the information is on a shared folder that anyone can look through but that fact that they you'll see the names of the folders saying private, cv and then copying it for there benefit ???
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 20/04/2016 at 2:58 pm
Unfortunately, we cannot predict what decision your company may come to.
Lucky1710 19/04/2016 at 11:07 pm
I've just been suspended for work for data breach - me &I some colleagues were joking around about who has a credit card searching each others names in the system we then found a colleague had an account which we opened we did not amend any details on the account or even look through the account once we saw it was our colleague we stopped & carried on with what we was doing before hand I was unaware that we were not aloud to search for colleagues on the system I've been suspended with pay until they have investigated .. Basically should I start looking for a new job or do you think I will just get a disciplinary ?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 04/04/2016 at 10:49 am
There is a crossover in both family life and employment terms here which makes this a little tricky. However, this may be overstepping the mark as all employers should be treated the same. Therefore, in this case I would give ACAS a call in order to obtain information regarding your best course of action.
Mia 03/04/2016 at 5:58 am
I don't exactly know what you would call this but I personally feel that my privacy has been invaded? My supervisor also known, as my sister in law; decides to call my step mother and ask her if there was any truth in my husband and our reason for not going into work on the day that we specifically called her, telling her myself the reason why we both didn't work that day! Should I include that her and I are not on good terms but that is not any reason why I feel like she invaded my privacy, it's because I don't like the vibe of this incident and it certainly makes me uncomfortable to know that she does this? Is that invading my privacy? Could I report her?? && what should I do? What would I report it as??
Tam 29/03/2016 at 6:21 pm
My human recourses officer went through my personal phone text messages to gain information for a disaplinary hearing, is this allowed
JWC 29/03/2016 at 1:21 pm
My boss stalked when I went home sick and then texted me about it when I went back to work when I went to the bathroom he went in to my phone and delete the text what can I do about it
paul 18/03/2016 at 7:18 pm
My employer gave my home address to a customer who turned up at my door at 7.30 pm to collect something from my van , is this a breach of Data protection ,and could I take action against the individual or the Company
zc 15/03/2016 at 3:56 pm
My manager has taken a photo of my facebook and sent it to the person i work with in the photo it was a picture of my motherin law who has cancer she wrote on the picture this is her mother in law the one with cancer!!!! the person i work with then replyed she looks really ill to me... i left the job and havnt taken it further now i have had some time to think i want to take it to the next step as i am really angry.
im worryed that if it goes to court they are gonna ask why i didnt take it further straight away.
liza 13/02/2016 at 2:31 pm
My manager contacted her friend at the bank and gave him my account number to check my account, she ask my client the invoice that I have forwarded her, since them I am working under surveillance cameras, am always in trouble at work and get penalised for my mistakes, trying to cover my mistakes and avoiding penalties gets me to troubles.
anniegirl 12/02/2016 at 2:16 am
The accountant for my small place of employment did my taxes for me. Before leaving for vacation, he placed my completed tax return and all documents in an envelope with my name on it on the work surface where I work. I was sick and not at work on the day he left it and was also gone the following day. One of the guys that works for me told me that all the guys took my tax return out of the envelope and they all read my private information. This surface where the accountant left the material is open to not only other employees but to any one who enters the business. The employee who told me this information, also looked at my file, and wants me to tell upper management but I can't say anything that will implicate him. I am angry and confused, What should I do about this?
jeany 14/01/2016 at 11:03 pm
hi could someone give me some info on my situation please..my work have lost my personnel file which contains details of everything which was in a cabinet in the office.
I don't know what my rights are or what i can do about this. does anyone have any idea?

many thanks

Jean
Mommar 14/01/2016 at 3:25 pm
Hello, I have worked in healthcare for over 5 years, I started to work for a new company and did one shift with them only as their data protection was awful. I resigned the next day. Despite complaining to the company, I am still receiving emails from the branch nurse with very confidential details regarding 2 children that are patients of the company. What can I do?
Moore 10/01/2016 at 7:27 pm
I received a written warning at work which was overturned but my employer showed the written warning to my other colleagues before I received the letter.
Lemon1956 30/12/2015 at 3:45 pm
I was conducting a back to work interview with a team member in a private office away from other co workers and staff. Someone apparently listened into the meeting and lodged a complaint that I had said some disparaging comments about the company. All this was untrue and cannot be corroborated. The disciplinary interviews have taken place but I will not know the outcome or if the company will discipline me. What recourse do I have if they wish to discipline me. I have worked there for 10 months as a team leader
les 07/12/2015 at 7:01 pm
Hi I recently discovered that my employer keeps our personnel MASTER files that include all of our personal info including our social security number in a drawer that is not locked at the front desk of our hotel where everyone has access to, what can I do about this I fear that an employee can gain access to this and steal my identity or ruin my credit. We go through new staff every few months I brought it to the attention of my manager and her supervisor and the drawer was locked for a few days and then left open again with the keys hanging by the desk for all to access. Please help with any information, Thank You.
RADX 12/11/2015 at 8:24 pm
Hello. I handed in FMLA paperwork to my supervisor for my 6 wk medical Leave. After I left....The following week, my supervisor told her carpool friends about my medical leave and that I was having some type of abdominal surgery. One of those people told someone whom I would not have liked to know about and that person contacted me to tell me what happened. I never told my supervisor what type of surgery I was having or discussed it with her in any way. My supervisor also snooped around trying to get further info as to the exact type of surgery I was having. Is this any type of violation/breech of my privacy or confidentially? She had no right telling other people about my surgery. It was private. She only seen my paperwork that I had to hand in to her.
paul 15/08/2015 at 10:56 am
Hi. I have recently had my contract terminated by my employer and when I requested that my personal Work Experience folder (which I compiled for the company containing all my personal contact details and details of all companies and contracts that I have worked on in the past, including sensitive governmental contracts, and details of my nationwide security clearances for controlled sites) be returned to me I have been told that it cannot be located i.e. they've lost it. I'm obviously extremely unhappy and worried that my details havent been looked after in a secure manner. What can I do? Can I report/prosecute them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
al 11/08/2015 at 8:53 pm
I understand personal property at my workplace is subject to inspection at any time. but is it lawful for the employer to force me to use a clear plastic bag instead of the back pack I use so everyone can see the contents of my bag?
Geno 26/07/2015 at 10:17 pm
I got hurt at home and hurt my rotator cuff and strained my back been off of work two wks already and need to see an orthopedic. Well my supervisor apparently told everyone at work that my drug test was the next day and I got hurt the day before and I'm being talked about at work ( judgement of character ) it's supposed to be random testing which I had no ideal about. I've been employee of the quarter 6 times and never had a complaint or write up since I've been there. Is it consider a violation?
jinty 22/07/2015 at 12:32 pm
My husband works at a prison. He has just received a letter from the Governor to inform him that there has been a data compromise. A bundle of papers was handed to a staff member by one of the prisoners and some of the paperwork was marked restricted. Contained within this bundle was details of my husbands date of birth and retirement age. It went on to say that they Police have been informed but to maintain a high level of vigilance and any suspicions of risk to himself or his family or any indication of identity fraud must be reported to the Police and his line manager. If the only details were date of birth and retirement age surely this would be of no use, other information must have been indicated. Any ideas as this is extremely concerning especially who gained access to the paperwork. My husband was not the only one who's data was compromised
Yogi 25/06/2015 at 8:16 am
I am self employed working for a company as a subcontractor. The Lady who deals with my Invoices has said that the CSA have been in touch with her demanding copies of all of my Invoices and also not to inform me of there contact or demands.

I have a confidentially agreement with my client due to the nature of the work I do.

If my client discloses this information is it a breech of confidentiallity? I dont want this information disclosed as its non of there business and I dont wasnt my finances disclosed at all. Thanks
Corbett 24/06/2015 at 5:33 am
Hey! So my husband and I received a call from his father, very upset about something to do with my husbands work at Wal-Mart. My husband's father, who does not work at walmart at all,said he had talked to my husband's manager and that whatever it was it needed to be dealt with. So my question is, is my husband's manager allowed to discuss personal problems with my husband's work with anyone who doesn't work at Wal-Mart?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 22/05/2015 at 10:02 am
@Julie - Under the Data Protection Act 1998, your employer has no right to record a meeting covertly except under exceptional circumstances. You as an employee should be asked beforehand and also agree to the recording. You don't say what your employer has said in response to you raising the issue, has he/she admitted to the recording? I think in this case it would be a good idea to call ACAS and speak to one of its advisers to see what is the best way forward, especially if you have raised it with your employer and he/she has ignored you. You can access the ACAS website via whichI hope this helps.
Julie 18/05/2015 at 1:51 pm
I bought up a grievance with my employer, a small chemist owner/pharmacist, because she did nothing to help when I became ill with depression, and eventually caused more stress with the way she treated me. She decided to bring up my sickness as a counteraction, saying she would sack me if there was little proof of a return. A different manager chaired the meeting, he asked me some very personal mental health questions. I didn't realise at the time that not only did she put her mobile phone in the office to record the meeting, she allowed a colleague with a grudge against me to record with her personal mobile phone also. Im really upset about this, knowing this woman will probably share the information with many people I know. I've raised concern with my employer, but she is so far ignoring me. When I "raise a concern" with the ICO, they just Refer back requiring me to get an answer from her,
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 15/05/2015 at 2:07 pm
@beetlebug - I think in this case you would need to give Acas a call via the link here as you will be able to explain your issue directly to an advisor.
beetlebug 13/05/2015 at 11:54 pm
I have just recently left a job with immediate effect due to being wrongly accused of something I did not do, however went I went into the building to retrieve a new headset as I worked within a telecommunications environment and my former supervisor openly left a formal discussion form on his desk for everybody to see.
This had details and personal information about the wrongly accused act I was supposedly being punished for.
Within the time of being sat at the desk with my former supervisor discussing this, he allowed two agents use his personal computer and they could see sensitive/personal information of mine laid out on the desk, needless to mention there were agents sat directly bedisde his desk and could see.
His shift ended and I was asked to wait around the office for my main line manager to come in and have a discussion with myself about the choice I had made, etc, the formal discussion document form was still openly left publicly out on his (former supervisors) desk and people were still in that time walking past nosing at the personal information.
Can this be deemed as a breach of privacy and can I take this further as other agents since my exit from the business have seen and heard the reasons for my departure and stated they have seen the discussion document?
OfCom liaise with my former employer due to the telecommunications side of things, what should I do?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 08/05/2015 at 3:03 pm
@Laley - it's a bit of a tricky one really. If nothing has been stolen, or nothing untoward has occurred as a result, then the only action is to speak to your line manager and inform him/her of what has happened, and your line manager can decide what action is best to take under the circumstances. As specified in the article: If someone has compromised your privacy at work, the action you should take depends on the severity of the breach. For a minor infraction, it may be sufficient to discuss the matter with the perpetrator and ask them not to do the same again in future. If the invasion is somewhat more serious, such as someone requesting access to your personnel file without a legitimate need for it, then you may wish to complain to the snooper’s manager. By escalating the problem in this way, you may be able to ensure that the perpetrator does not reoffend, and you have the opportunity to request that the company tightens up its security so that similar breaches become less likely in the future. As a last resort, you may need to contact the police. If you believe that your privacy has been invaded with criminal intent then this could be a wise course of action, since, even if it does not result in a prosecution, it will send a strong signal that you are aware of what has taken place and you are prepared to defend yourself.
Laley 08/05/2015 at 2:24 pm
I was off sick from work and a woman I worked with asked if she may go into your office and retrieve something of hers I later found out that others were in my office and searched through my cupboards. I did tell the woman not to allow anyone in. I would like to take Acton. What can be done?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 18/03/2015 at 12:10 pm
@ellie - As specified in the article you should certainly make a formal complaint if you believe your details have been accessed for illegitimate reasons. This may result in procedures being tightened up, and perhaps some form of disciplinary action being taken against the perpetrator. You might in the meantime find the Acas website helpful, and should you need any further advice you can give them a call. I hope this helps.
ellie 15/03/2015 at 9:58 pm
there was someone who had crush on me. After a while I overheard some stuff behind my back few times, which were very private and only included on my personal email. Now everyone knows that the person accessed my password protected perosnal email , and tells what he seen there. I use Hotmail, and somehow I cant change password cuz I changed my phone , and that way I cant enter Recent activity option , to see all ip addresses which logged onto my profile. I need to wait few weeks, and then I will have proof of his work ip address loggin onto my account. What can I do about it? The person is consciously telling coroworkers whay he has seen there, which destroys my work reputation?
EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 11/02/2015 at 11:59 am
@Paz - I have included a link to the Work Smart TUC document regarding your right to privacy at work, here. This should give you all the additional information you will need. I hope this helps.
paz 10/02/2015 at 7:09 pm
Hi, I have discovered that the IT technician at work has been given permission to remotely enter in our computers and to monitor our activities and read our emails without our knowledge or permission. What is the law regarding the right of privacy to our activities?
Fiona Editor 09/01/2015 at 2:45 pm
@Tee - unfortunately this is the problem with social media, our private lives are no longer private and something like this is broadcast for all to see. Although it was not your colleagues business to tell your boss, neither can you do much about it because what it done is now done and it was up for all to see.
Tee 09/01/2015 at 4:23 am
Currently just found out i am pregnant and my mum had put a little excitement post up on facebook and another employee has seen and gone off and told my boss but not knowing i had already secretly let her know.
What action should i take ? Can something be done ? It wasn't her place to be telling my personal news like that to my boss.
upsetSu 08/01/2015 at 12:11 pm
I feel my privacy at work has been invaded. While I was not in the office my manager grabbed a colleagues phone to check my message about my arrival to the office that day. So far no harm done.

I was later given a letter and called for a disciplinary meeting which I thought would be about my day off which I had taken without much notice.

As it turned out, my manager had read my previous messages on my colleagues phone where we were discussing working days during the Christmas holidays and I told my colleague not to work if she didn't feel like it.

So I have been "disciplined" for telling my colleague not to work if she didn't feel like it. But it was done by reading my private messages from my personal phone to my colleagues personal phone.

Do I have grounds to warn my company that this behaviour will not be tolerated? What can I say for them to take serious notice?

Thanks
Baileysaddict 27/11/2014 at 9:37 pm
Wrote a status on facebook whilst in a temper as was ill and in pain and the flaming doctors receptionist wouldn't give me an emergency appointment. I didn't name anyone/ organisation I don't even name my employer on my profile. It was just a spur of the moment rant which admittedly was lashed with some strong swear words. Now, my facebook status was locked to friends only. My employer called me into HR and suspended me pending investigation, I asked what on earth for, they say one of my so called friends reported my post as they assume it was about my manager as she wouldn't give me a shift swap??? I said how on earth can you gleam that from my status?? The manager there said as I had an a incident with my manager they were allowed to presume that I did write it about my manager!! I'm livid and hurt. I've worked there 15 years!! Can anyone advise?
Checker 12/10/2014 at 9:29 pm
I wrote a status one weekend, (well I was having a gripe,)about how unhappy my daughter had been saying she was being treated in work, by co workers.(we work in the same place but I'm a carer an she's a domestic cleaner.) I did not mention any names as I wasn't directing it at anyone, I was stating it more about my daughters feelings, I also have private settings in place, so I don't say where I work, or who I work for. An limited people on it, with only a few work friends on it. But one of them I just recently become friends with was the domestics manager, So I was shocked when I was confronted by a domestic asking if my status was about her? I asked her how she had seen it, as she is not my friend,she said her manager had shown her an some of the other cleaners. Within a short time I was called into the managers office who said she has seen my status, an she showed me she had done a screen shot an printed it, there was family an friends names an faces on the print out, it was terrible. Anyway she suspended me on the grounds of harressment of their social media policy, an told me not to enter the work place an not to talk to anyone, until they've done investigations. It's been three an half weeks now an I have just heard that everyone has been talking about me being suspended,so all my business is being talked about I don't even want to go back now, as I feel ashamed an so violated, but I have just received a letter, saying I got a disiplinary hearing in three days time. I'm not with a union, but contacted one, an they told me, unless I join them they can't advise me, an they won't be able to accompany me even if I join, because the problem is already an issue..I don't put my work business on my Facebook for these pacific reasons, an all would if been ok had that colleague not shown my boss, but is this legal what she's done, because they sent me the company's social media policy, an it's really hard for me to associate to it,as I haven't mentioned names or spoke of anyone. It also says I can get dismissed, I have never even had a warning. I would really appreciate any advise you can offer. Thank you.
Sleepysue 11/07/2014 at 11:00 am
Had pnemonia recently and submitted sick notes saying chest infection. Another employee called me and said my manager had told them it was only a chest infection according to my notes. Even though I have been on a nebuliser 4 times a day. Is this a breach of my privacy?
Berta 23/06/2014 at 2:42 pm
Myself and another woman at work got rather close and shared highly confidential information and gossip lol, ok things got sour and she went to show the boss all messages that we shared. One of the messages was look at that woman she is up and down to the bosses office...ppl can suck up and can't be trusted. this girl then gave the manager all the chats we have ever had and they threatening to fire me just because if that? Is that lawful? Highly disgusted in the whole process
mitzi2 11/06/2014 at 3:26 pm
My son has started working for a Care Group in the UK who employ live in carers for people with dementia and to assist in helping the families of those. His roll is as a live in carer, two weeks on and two weeks off. His accommodation for his two weeks on comes with the job and is a flat close to the client's property and owned by the daughter of the client but he discovered yesterday that she has been entering the property and going through his things when he is at another property taking care of her mother. He has tried to explain to her that he feels he is walking on eggshells by her doing this but all she says is she is the owner and is legally entitled to walk in any time she pleases. I say this is an invasion of his privacy. Would welcome any advice. Thank you.
loulou 14/02/2014 at 8:37 pm
my phone was in my pocket and my store manager conducted a staff search without my knowledge. he then tried to access my phone using suri. I only found this out when a an email suggesting a file note should be put on my file.
surely this cannot happen?
iCloud 23/05/2013 at 5:52 am
I work at big retail company , I was one the best salesperson on the floor , the company in 2008 give us iPhone , inviting us to use as personal and busines , so all good , no signing agreement nothing , then I bought 2 I pad as personal devise unfutunatly I put the same apple ID , sur ethe company never warning us to use 2 different ID for the business devise and the personal. The company 7 months ask me to send my phone in Dallas to check about some text message about client refusing to pay his bill, after the ohone came back they call me , in room with one witness and hr manager , loss prevention manager , making accusation about using business phone bookmarked with porno web site , I told me is no true , we look them only in our personal IPADS , I mean personal life out of work , they found else personal pictures about my life off work , only because the devise where sharing the same information , guess what they fired me , so unfair they got in my personal life , invasion of privicy that's , they else refuse to give me back my personal informations print in their files , that's is so illegal so unfair , how can company try to own us even in our bedroom , scary, I had change bank information password credit card everything , worse nightmare , I want lawyer
kim 18/09/2012 at 3:20 pm
Part of the problem, at least with the company invading your privacy in some way, is knowing that it’s happened, and then actually proving it. However, if you manage that, the question is what you do about it. Do you accept an apology and a change in policy or do your pursue prosecution? It can be a very sticky wicket.
missdarcy 06/03/2012 at 12:50 pm
I was asked to bring in personal documents so the company could obtain my CRB, which I did. My company informed me after 4-6 weeks that they had not received them and I could no longer work for them as I no longer had a valid CRB. After my partner called my employer to say he is going to take the matter further, (one of the documents was our mortgage statement with his name on) the documents magically appeared, they said they had been found in a (locked) cabinet. My problem is I do not know if anyone who shouldnt have seen them has. We have asked for a letter from them detailing that they were the ones responsible for not securing my personal documents in case of any fraudulent activity, but they have said we have to get a letter from a solicitor. Where do I stand on this. I now have no job to pay for solicitors.
lucypops 14/12/2011 at 11:52 pm
I am worried that I left my facebook account logged on the computer in the office at work (after being given permission to go on). once I got what I needed, I didnt log off and my manager went on straight after. I am wondering what would happen if she went in to my private emails and read everything I had wrote to another colleague ? is this illegal? :S!
enigma 02/12/2011 at 12:11 pm
I work as a security officer in aa student accommodation I work alone all night or day and then my colleague takes over. I have evidence that he has been rewinding footage and just to see what I am doing all day or night.watching the students too.please how can I stop this. I feel so uncomfortable and I have approached him but he just tutts and ignores me.
Fresia 12/09/2011 at 6:41 pm
I have just found out that my employer has retained a very confidential medical report on me in an underhand manner. I decided to agree via the Union request that this report was submitted to the Hr dept only to prove that there were significant heatlh matters and this should be considered in their approach towards me. I asked for the report back once this had the desired impact on my employer to revise their dealings of me, they did not respond and so I had to ask again by letter and asking for this to be returned to me and in writing to confirm that no other copies are retained on my file. The report was returned to me but I have never had any confirmation that no other copies remain. I have just found out that they have in fact kept a copy of this report without telling me. Please would you let me know my Rights. Thank you.
kurt hudson 14/04/2011 at 7:43 pm
One of my emloyees has been caught by another employee picking up my daily diary and taking it to her desk and going through it page by page with another colleague. There is confidential documents within this diary and also information I would not disclose to anyone, worse over they have waited until I was on holiday and gone in to my office and taken it. What sort of disciplinary action should be taken?

Ask Employee Privacy Rights a question

Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.

You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.

Comments are moderated before publication.

Related
Workplace Privacy Checker Workplace Privacy Checker Tool Workplace Privacy Rights Checker Tool Privacy: What Every Employee Needs to Know Privacy: What Every Employee Needs to Know Personal Possessions in the Workplace Personal Possessions in the Workplace Protecting Your Privacy at Work Protecting Your Privacy at Work Obligations of Employees Obligations of Employees Conflict Between Privacy and Freedom of Speech Conflict Between Privacy and Freedom of Speech Access Information Your Employer Holds About You Access Information Your Employer Holds About You
Most Popular
1 Can Employer Demand to See Prescribed Medication Details? 2 Rumours About Sick Leave: Has My Privacy Been Invaded? 3 Worker-Manager Confidentiality 4 Personal Possessions in the Workplace 5 Using Pictures of Employees 6 Privacy and Staff Appraisals
Try our free Workplace Privacy Checker Check My Privacy for Free