Worker-Manager Confidentiality

Originally written by Matthew Strawbridge, updated by the editorial team on 31st May 2026

When workers share personal matters with managers

Many employees develop a good working relationship with their manager over time. This often leads to conversations that go beyond day to day tasks, with workers sharing personal information they expect to remain private.

In most cases, managers will maintain confidentiality of these disclosures. But this duty is not absolute. There are situations where a manager may need to share information with others in the organisation, even when it was given in confidence.

Under UK GDPR, employers have a legal obligation to safeguard employees' personal data, and managers should be trained on these requirements. However, understanding where the boundaries lie helps both workers and managers handle sensitive conversations appropriately.

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Keeping workplace gossip in check

Managers often have access to personal information about staff, including salary details, health matters, disciplinary records and performance assessments. This access comes with a clear responsibility to keep such information private, and breaching this may constitute a violation of data protection law.

It is considered unprofessional and may breach legal obligations for a manager to share confidential details about one employee with another. This applies whether the information came through formal HR channels or informal conversation.

Workplace gossip can spread quickly and cause real harm to individuals. Managers should exemplify confidentiality by refraining from engaging in speculation about colleagues. Where rumours are circulating, they may need to address the matter directly or refer it to HR.

If less senior staff need access to certain information for legitimate work reasons, the organisation will usually release it through proper channels in an appropriate form. Managers should not take it upon themselves to share data informally, even with good intentions. Failing to maintain confidentiality can result in legal consequences for both the manager and the organisation, as well as lasting damage to employee trust.

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

When confidentiality may need to give way

There are times when a manager may be justified in disclosing information shared in confidence. The key consideration is whether keeping the information private could cause harm to the worker, to colleagues, or to the organisation as a whole.

For example, if a worker discloses something that suggests they may harm themselves or pose a risk to others, the manager has a legal and ethical responsibility to act. This might involve speaking with HR, occupational health services, or in serious cases, external agencies.

Similarly, if a worker reveals information about illegal activity, fraud, or serious misconduct, the manager cannot simply ignore it. The organisation may have legal obligations to investigate or report certain matters. Public interest disclosures are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which sets out the framework for whistleblowing provisions.

In these situations, managers should try to be transparent with the worker where it is safe to do so. Explaining that the information cannot remain confidential, and why, is often better than acting without any explanation. Managers should also document these conversations for accountability and transparency.

Organisations should have clear policies outlining when confidentiality might need to be overridden. Managers who are uncertain how to proceed should seek guidance from HR or contact the ACAS helpline on 0300 123 1100, which offers free advice on workplace issues.

What workers should consider before sharing

Before disclosing personal information to a manager, workers may want to consider what they hope to achieve and whether they are comfortable with others potentially finding out.

While managers are legally bound to protect personal data under UK GDPR, they may feel obliged to pass information on if they believe disclosure is necessary for legitimate reasons.

Where you need to discuss a personal matter but want formal protections, you may prefer to speak with HR directly. All staff handling personal data, including both HR staff and managers, are bound by data protection rules and internal confidentiality policies. You can also contact your trade union representative if you have one.

The Information Commissioner's Office provides guidance on how employers should handle personal data under UK GDPR at ico.org.uk. If you believe your employer has mishandled your personal information, you can raise a concern with the ICO. For further information on workplace rights, visit GOV.UK.

The Next Step

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

176 questions

Ask Employee Privacy Rights a Question

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 19/08/2026 at 6:05 am

@Aks Under UK GDPR your employer can hold that information if there's a legitimate business reason, and emergency contact or business continuity would usually qualify. That said, they should tell you why it's needed, who can see it, how long it's kept, and how it's secured. A spreadsheet floating about isn't ideal, so ask for it in writing and check it's stored somewhere access controlled. If you're not satisfied, raise it with your DPO or the ICO.

Aks 19/08/2026 at 5:15 am

Am a civil servant remote worker - my line manager asked for my address mobile laptop so it css as n be held on a spreadsheet so if anything happens to me in their absence their manager has details . Is this legal - as my details are already with. hE

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 18/05/2026 at 9:16 am

@Chrissy Having a witness present in a meeting isn't really a breach of confidentiality, as the matter is still being kept within management. Ideally your manager should have told you in advance who'd be sitting in, but it's not unlawful. As for the follow-up letter, that does blur the line between informal and formal. A genuinely informal chat shouldn't normally result in written allegations on file, so I'd ask HR to clarify what status that letter holds.

Chrissy 22/07/2024 at 11:02 pm

I have just had an informal meeting with my manager and he asked another senior member of staff to sit in as a witness, I wasn't asked if it Was ok. Is this a breach of my confidentiality? Also this meeting was followed up with a formal letter stating my alleged misdemeaners and telling me if they had to speak to me again about this matter he would make it formal. Is this classed as the result of an informal chat/meeting

none 05/03/2024 at 10:53 pm

I had to whistleblow to my registered manager about a safeguarding issue which
was confidential and it was disclosed to other staff that did need to know the person i whistle blew threatened me and said he knew it was me where do i stand it has put me in a very bad place

Myself 16/01/2024 at 5:39 pm

I disclosed confidential information to my manager during a teams meeting, he never advised there was a 3rd party note taker in the room , and even though I told him I would only tell him the confidential information regarding a dependent under the privacy act and would not want any other person ever knowing he allowed the note taker to write it into a report with out my knowledge or concent . Only for me to be given snippets of the report showing the information I had expressed not to add ,
Is this illegal for him to do ?

Pa 12/04/2023 at 12:20 pm

I made a complaint regarding how I had been treated on a shift, after the weekend I was told by a colleague that the manager had been in the kitchen discussing my complaint with everyone and had told everyone it was me who made the complaint, is this against gdpr??

Lucky 30/03/2023 at 1:24 pm

Hi ivd had a nanager that ihas breached confidentility about what was discussed in a job chat what can i do bout it

fi 26/02/2023 at 12:31 pm

I have recently discovered that a line manager is keeping behavioural notes about employees on her phone, i feel this is inappropriate and should not be kept in someone's personal phone. I am correct?

Lolly 09/05/2022 at 8:37 pm

I work in a private care home, my manager has absolutely no understanding about GDPR, confidentiality or treat all staff equally. The manager will sit in handover and this could be up to 8 staff members and think nothing of putting staff down in their absence, or making horrible comments about staff that are not present. When it comes to discussing any concerns or problems this is also done in front of other staff and residents. They will also put staff on the spot to try catch them out and then shout at them of they don't get the answer they want (trying to get false information/lies) they will try to pressure staff in making false statements, this is mainly the younger staff.
Due to this being a private home unfortunately there is no one inside the home you can report this to, we do not have a HR department and the owner of this home stands by the manager and always backs them and can actually be just as bad and sometimes worse with bullying staff into do what they want. If you try to keep tour head down and stay out of the drama and hostility they will bully you even more.

Di1977 19/07/2021 at 7:57 pm

Hi my co worker was using drugs driving whilst using mobile phone leaving me to do all the work having outbursts in clients home ect so I spoke to the office they asked me to do a statement which I did they then told my Co worker word for word everything that was in my statement to them now I'm made out to be the bad one what is my rights

Di1977 19/07/2021 at 7:55 pm

Hi my co worker was using drugs driving whilst using mobile phone leaving me to do all the work having outbursts in clients home ect so I spoke to the office they asked me to do a statement which I did they then told my Co worker word for word everything that always in my statement to them now I'm made out to be the bad one what is my rights

Kicki 03/06/2021 at 9:13 am

My boss called me after work to ask why I wanted to reduce my hours. I unwillingly told her that I can’t deal with my coworker and thought if I had less to deal with her, it would be easier to cope.
Next shift, I was asked to the managers office, by my coworker. I was put under questioning by them both, asking what my problem is.
My boss had told my coworker that I don’t like her, and now wanted me to explain why and how I was going change it.
I felt like I was thrown in front of a truck.
End of the day, I was told that it might be time for me to leave.
Kindly I was informed what a good employee I was and how great I am with customers. But - if I can’t get along with this particular coworker, then leave.
Unfair dismissal or did my boss have a fair reason for telling me to resign?

BIGglen86 23/04/2021 at 2:45 pm

Hey all. Recently my employer has shared my addreas and personal information with another member of staff, which has resulted in letters to my address, and the person is trying to get money from me, saying i owe them etc. There is my 3 people at my work place who can access my personal information. I want to go to a higher up in the chain, eg regional manner.

This is only speculation though, as i dont have proof my address was given out, how ever the person in question does not know where i live.

Any advice in this matter would be appreciated.

Rebel 23/01/2021 at 3:22 pm

My former employer told the police about a serious medical condition I have. They only have this knowledge in their role within the organisation, and they were making malicious allegations to the police about me. Are they permitted to disclose my medical information without my permission?

Meme714 16/01/2021 at 12:22 am

I have recently had to take time off work due to a miscarriage, and the loss of a family member both in a timescale of a week,
I struggled with this and was diagnosed with PTSD

I spoke with my Hr and asked that all that i was about to disclose be kept private i had expressed that i did not want any coworkers especially my manager to be made aware of this, my gp did put on my sick note absence due to PTSD,
I was reasured it would stay confidential..

On return to work my coworkers came to me to express there sorrow for my loss, and that im still young i can try again. So it was clear she told everyone.

My Hr broke confidentiality, i dont know what to do, i can't even work im so stressed with the whole ordeal.

Karen 07/12/2020 at 10:59 pm

I told my manager I was assaulted as a child he then had told other staff members which now I feel like everyone knows surly that's a breech of confidentiality. It affects my work on a day to day basis due to the fact they told other work collueges.

Kezza 02/12/2020 at 6:45 pm

My manager was overheard talking about a recent absence I had with another employee is this a data protection breach

Ginge 06/11/2020 at 9:57 am

A manager
Has discussed personal information about an illness and health appointments with other colleagues also employees of a different concession and the buisness landlords
Do I have any rights to approach this as I think I am being bullied

Cull 19/10/2020 at 9:42 pm

I was recently caught up in defending a fellow employee from bullying. I told a manager something in confidence and it has been shared with those who were bullying and now I am ignored by half the staff. Is this legal.

Dino 12/10/2020 at 9:37 pm

I put in a formal complaint about a colleague to my manager to escalate to higher management to start the process. My manager told the colleague about my complaint and since she has put in a counter complaint about me. Is this a breach of confidentiality.

Julie 13/01/2020 at 11:55 pm

There was an ongoing case that led to dismissal and tribunal at work. The person in question was open with many people about the case - no secret and was even saying in appropriate things about the manager. An announcement was made and everyone was told that the individual would not be returning . Meanwhile, I was promoted to the role the person wanted and following this announcement I was asked why this person left. I simply said the person didn’t get the outcome they expected. The person I told this to called ex employee and then ex employee made a complaint about me. I am Now suspended pending investigation for breach of GDPR . I find this difficult to understand. I shared no personal details and did not say anything other than what Was said or known by others . Can I be be dismissed for this?

Gal 07/01/2020 at 8:28 pm

If the boss shares someone’s medical certificate information ( Mental Health related problem) with another member of staff , is this a serious confidentiality breach ?

Emily 02/12/2019 at 8:45 pm

I disclosed something incredibly private that happened to me at training to my manager as it was effecting my work. It was taken down, marked private and confidential, signed and was sent to HR. I recently found out that my manager has told every member of staff in a morning meeting on one of my days off. I am mortified. He assured me that he would never tell anyone. What should I do?

Danny 20/11/2019 at 2:37 pm

I have recently been diagnosed with infertility.
My partner (we work at the same place) told his manager “off the record”, and he has told head of HR who as approached me about it over text message! Is this breach of confidentiality?

MA 17/10/2019 at 10:02 pm

Are absence/holiday request forms and overtime record sheets allowed to be visible to others in the workplace?

Leaah 24/09/2019 at 11:01 pm

"I recently had to hand a sick note into work. I handed it in to a trusted staff member as Manager wasn't in yet. But i have since discovered that what i thought was a trusted staff member, then not only read my sick note bit was also showing it to other staff members. I feel this is a breach of not only my trust but my privacy. Am i correct, if i made a complaint to management that it would be considered a breach of privacy?"

Beaver 10/09/2019 at 11:56 pm

I have been signed off sick for the past few weeks and my employer has disclosed why and for how long, to an ex employee. Is this allowed?

Scar 21/08/2019 at 11:56 pm

I was in an accident that caused me to take time off work, I told my manager what happened and that I don’t want other staff to know as the accident was traumatic and a sensitive issue. I have now found out that he has told the staff members and it has been discussed quite often. What action can I take as I have it in writing that I’d like to keep it confidential?

Scar 21/08/2019 at 11:52 pm

While working my notice period I had an accident to which I had to take 2 weeks off. I told my manager what had happened and that it was a sensitive issue that I would not like the rest of the employees to know. I have now found out that my manager had told people and it was discussed at work on more than one occasion. What actions can I take?

Ellen 23/06/2019 at 11:00 pm

My co worker asked me if my status at work is rotation or permanent night shift. I asked her “why”. She said that she’s confused and how come I don’t rotate to another shift. I told her, we need night shift workers so why do they rotate me to another shift. She said, I already asked our manager to find out to HR if you are a rotation or permanent night shift. For me, I feel that my co worker violated my privacy. Is this a breach of confidentiality?

May 19/06/2019 at 4:39 am

I've had some personal things happen at a past job that wasn't supposed to be spread but I've found out that the manager spread it what can I do

Ian 11/06/2019 at 11:24 am

My confided in her manager of a health condition I recently developed,this manager then went on to tell other members of staff,my daughter was understandably upset at my condition and therefore was not as cheery has her usual self the manager took offence to this and has forced to face a disciplinary committee. What can she do to keep her job and her good name within the company

Kaykay 07/06/2019 at 6:29 pm

I recently had to hand a sick note into work. I handed it in to a trusted staff member as Manager wasn't in yet. But i have since discovered that what i thought was a trusted staff member, then not only read my sick note bit was also showing it to other staff members. I feel this is a breach of not only my trust but my privacy. Am i correct, if i made a complaint to management that it would be considered a breach of privacy?

Cracka 04/05/2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi,
I had a conversation with my 2ic in regards to a staff member. The end result of our private conversation was that we would call this person in and explain our situation and how he has not been keeping up with standards.

Our agreed conversation was to be no written or verbal warnings but to be only a formal conversation which we where all to sign off on noting that next time a witness would be required if we had to have the same conversation again.

My 2ic went out and told this person on what was coming his way.

Now the meeting had to be cancelled because of what I believe being a breach.

This is the second time this has happened and coincidentally to the same person who was going to be questioned.

Where as a supervisor do I stand with this as I believe this is poor performance, breach of confidentiality and now have lost trust in his ability as a 2ic.

Berty 23/04/2019 at 8:59 pm

if i am getting suspended from work

should other employees be able to tell me that i am getting suspended before I MYSELF find out

i believe that this is breaking the private and confidential law?

what can and should i do about it?

Toni 12/04/2019 at 1:55 pm

Can a line manager send you home when they know that you not going to be in while no one else is in the area of work as no cctv, as I don’t trust my line manager after a joke that they thought was funny which included a knife lucky enough blade was pointing away and did slit throat action and said drop dead, both police and HR have done nothing really for this

Hully 08/04/2019 at 10:45 pm

If I phone in sick is my manager revealing my reason to the rest of the staff acceptable

glory 07/03/2019 at 1:32 pm

its it wrong for an ops manger to tell other members off staff once suspended they wont be bk to work and have displinary before the person whos having the disaplinary

Laura 26/02/2019 at 7:19 am

My colleague Downes not fully do her work while she is at work. She breaks the rules of the office. I told manager in confidence and stressed the fact...yet she disclosed our conversation to my colleague. She breached my confidence. How should I tackle this matter?

Mick 26/02/2019 at 2:30 am

I exchanged msg with my manager saying that i heard lots of rumours about unchapy people on shop floor as wel some other thing. I Said that its just between me and him. Just wanted to help him understand situation. In return he said that im doing complaints and he will take me on meeting to director and hr for sprading rumors. Is it break of confidentiality? As well i know that he keep more important informations from management to cover some people ( who done big mistake) but iim gona have probably disciplinary hearing. Is this discrimination?

Ash 14/02/2019 at 9:15 am

I've battled with depression for many years was off sick for a long period, so I told my boss the reason for this long episode off work and at first he was understanding - promised he wasn't going to tell anyone else - but now everyone in my work knows. Isn't this a breach of confidentiality?

Tash 15/12/2018 at 9:13 am

My managers in work sent a disciplinary (written warning) to another member of staff by email instead of me by accident. In the email contained the full investigation report on the issues that was raise.. surely after them giving me a warning for not following protocol (speaking with a next of kin).. I must be able to do something about this.

Tony 12/11/2018 at 12:23 pm

Hi,
I have sent my line manager some emails regarding work issues and later found out that she has divulged this information to the admin team and having a laugh at my expense.
What should I do ,as I am raging with anger that a manager could do such a thing.
Thanks

Juli 10/11/2018 at 2:23 pm

I have emailed hr asking about any company policies regarding couples at work, a member of hr went to my manager behind my back, informing about me sending this email. Shouldn't it be confidential?

Kristine 24/09/2018 at 3:25 pm

To clarify there is NOT a rule about fraternization or work place relationships or disclosures I have checked.

Kristine 24/09/2018 at 3:23 pm

I recently discovered that I was pregnant by one if my coworkers I have been seeing for a year. There is no fraternization rule at our work but my boss whom I thought was my friend knows about it. I told her in confidence and now shes saying i have to disclose who the father is to the CEO and the other partners because the father is higher on the professional chain. She is doing it to protects herself yet playing it like shes protecting me. I am leaving that job in 6 months anyway which she is aware. I do not feel that I have to disclose who the father is as we have always maintained a professional atmosphere that has caused no discord for anyone. For all anyone knows the father could be Joe schmoe. It's none of anyone's else business who the father is. Can they force me to do this? She basically told me if I don't get an abortion she will tell or I have to.

Chelly86 21/09/2018 at 8:48 pm

I told another employee about my anxiety attacks in confidence , and she told another member of staff without my consent. My manager(who already knew about my anxiety) told me this information In my supervision.

I have asked for an agrivence to be done.
What happens now?

MarkE Editor 17/09/2018 at 1:47 pm

@stick - they don't have to tell you - the person who handed it in can ask that their name remains confidential.

stick 16/09/2018 at 2:55 am

my facebook information has been handed into management ? if i ask who has handed it in to them . do they have to tell me please ?

Bolly 02/08/2018 at 2:40 pm

Hi
I have just put a grievance in a work I emailed it to HR as I couldn't send it to my line manager as they were named in it. When I first telephoned HR they said email the letter which I did and I did not hear anything off them until 15 days later, and this is totally different to what there grievance policy says. I am off work at present with work related stressed. Then they sentthe grievance letter to my line manager who is named in the grievance, surely this is a brief of confidentiality. After I became aware they had sent to the line manager I contacted the HR department who then rang my line manager and asked them to delete the email.

George 19/07/2018 at 1:01 pm

Hello,

At the moment I am on stress leave related to work (I have been signed off three months). I have just found out that one of my colleagues heard from my manager that I am on stress leave and told the other colleague it. The other one might have told the rest it. I am worried that rumours spread around the work... it is clear that the manager breached the confidentiality of my stress leave. What should I do regarding this situation?

MollY Editor 20/07/2018 at 10:14 am

@E - you'd have to make your own executive decision here. If she has told you who is her line manager, then she's not exactly kept it a secret.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 19/07/2018 at 10:04 am

Your only option is to speak to your line manager informally. If your manager does not respond and you feel you have been treated unfairly, for further information.

E 19/07/2018 at 9:41 am

As a line manager an employee who has been here only 6 weeks has informed she is 9 weeks pregnant. She does not want others to know until she is 12 weeks. Should I tell my boss?

Kris 18/07/2018 at 9:50 am

Hi

I have a disability and it restricts what work i can do at work. I called my line manager to tell him i couldnt do a certain work. When he came off the phone he openly discussed my issues with other managers from a different part of the business who are not involved in my employment and where not aware of my disability.

Is he allowed to do this.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 28/06/2018 at 11:20 am

, which should tell you more.

SpecK 27/06/2018 at 11:45 am

I work for a treatment facility and my supervisors gave me a u/a which I signed a confidentiality agreement before I went. After my u/a the lead tech who drove me left my receipt in the tech office and everyone that works there either saw it or heard about it and rumors started that I was given a u/a because I fell asleep at work and hit my head on the computer and that my u/a was positive for meth which both are untrue, my results are still not back as if yet. Also the recovery specialist called the mhp (my room mate) who doesn't even work in our dept. and told her I had a u/a and it was positive for meth and I was evicted from where I was living. I was given the u/a on Sunday 6/17 at ten pm and by Friday 6/22 everyone knew about it and I was evicted from my place and I was told I would go in on Monday 6/25 and they would have the results and we would go from there. I was called Monday and told they still didn't have the results and they would call me the next day which was yesterday and I received no call. I believe not only was confidentiality breached but my name was also slandered which caused me to be evicted.

Boo 12/06/2018 at 10:08 pm

I have been on the sick from work for 2 weeks as i have had too much going on and was struggling to cope, the doctor put it down to stress. I went back to work today and my manager made a comment on the shop floor, in front of everyone saying "aww your back, you look alright for someone who is stressed" i thought this sort of stuff was confidential? I was so embarrassed! Am i thinking to much into it or should i make a complaint. Tia

Coke 25/05/2018 at 2:31 am

Hi I had a argument with the person I work with so my manager took me in the office and asked why, I told him it was nothing to do with work, I did tell my manager that the person who I work with owed me a lot of money he had borrowed him, 2 day after everyone knew why should he have told people, my friend who I work with don't speak to me now what can I do thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 24/05/2018 at 11:53 am

You would have to complain directly to your line manager.

Richie 23/05/2018 at 4:36 pm

My timesheet was put on Facebook by another employer what can I do about it?

Amy 15/05/2018 at 7:02 pm

My employer posted my p60 to my previous address. Is this a breach of confidentiality as he knows my current address.

FHL Editor 14/05/2018 at 3:25 pm

@Roxy - If you have admitted to your manager that you are pregnant, then your manager has every right to tell your higher line manager.

Roxy 11/05/2018 at 11:56 am

I told my supervisor that I was late because I ran to the bathroom to throw up due to morning sickness . She basically figured out I’m pregnant and I advised that I hadn’t said anything for personal reason and history of miscarriage. She said congrats. Well she ran straight to my manager with it and said did you hear the news about Roxy? Can she do that?

JayT 01/05/2018 at 7:03 pm

I worked at a GI clinic and was really good friends with my manager and her husband. I told her in confidence that I was getting a divorce and going through hard times and basically to just let her know what was going on with me if anything had came up for work. She had then went and called another coworker and told her what was happening in my divorce. Also asking a few more people during work hours if they had knew anything. Can she do that?

Sisi 30/04/2018 at 10:03 pm

Hi,
My personal iPhone was reset because my employer locked it. I lost all my personal data - contacts, photos, etc. The iPhone was locked few days ago after months since deleting some work apps to access internal email I didn't need anymore (I received a corporate iPhone about five months ago). The deletion of those apps raised security issues, so few days ago when typing my password the phone was acting as it was wrong and ultimately got reset despite typing correct password. When I called the help desk they were not able to help. Now just giving an apology. I think this is a major fall out and other employees should be aware of it. I would explain the issue in more detail privately but please let me know what you think, how I should proceed and if there is scope to ask for a compensation. Thanks.

Sonja 26/04/2018 at 8:10 am

My assistant manager gave another manager a paper I was suppose to sign and he was not the department manager the assistant manager or the co manager of the department, it was handed to me outside the office, which had info about a problem, that should have been in confidentiality with my assistant manager and me in privacy, and it was not, how can I take care of this

Fernie 01/04/2018 at 10:54 pm

Hi, I work in residential care

Young person lodged a written complaint about me for not respecting his autism needs. He felt that I should not have been in kitchen making food whilst he was also in kitchen.

Cut long story short it was investigated and upheld although nothing else really came from the complaint..

I have noticed that my manager /director has uploaded the full complaint all documentation for whole staff team to see on the computer

Surly this is not acceptable? It's a breech of the young person and myself data protection and confidentiality

LINDSHAN 01/04/2018 at 10:50 pm

IS IT ANOTHER EMPLOYEE ALLOWED TO KEEP A JOURNAL ABOUT OTHER EMPLOYEES? ONE EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN TRACKING NAMES DATES AND TIMES WHEN SOMEONE SAYS OR DOES SOMETHING SHE DOES NOT AGREE WITH? I FEEL THIS BREAKS CONFIDENTIAITY IF THIS EMPLOYEE IF TAKING THIS BOOK OUTSIDE CORPOATION.
THANK YOU

claire bear 30/03/2018 at 1:41 pm

i feel my privacy rights @ work have been breached by my superiors put a long story short i made a written declaration in reference to a child i care for after a concerning conversation between carer (myself) and child following workplace policy and procedure i forwarded my concern directly to the room leader then both furthermore to our acting director with then discussion between management team and the child's mother directly she was then given all factual information of the findings including my personal information aka was made aware of which staff member the conversation had happened with that included her daughters well being which @ that stage posed no risk to my personal wellbeing as were technically speaking on the same side in regards to the situation i was unaware of this meeting my first come to light of the situation was a day or so later when was called into the office upon arrival @ work in the morning my acting director assisted by the 2IC were both in the office initiating this debrief if would like to call it within that meeting i was told of the update regarding my declaration and that they had been in correspondence with the child's mother and that were now also in liaison with DHS regarding the situation the meeting basically was an informal heads up that the mother wanted to take the matter further and now coinciding with her lawyer as to the legal avenues of taking the case to court basically they told me she wants me to take the stand if so be the future outcome aka act as witness to support her case my superiors then continued to tell me that the business had been in contact also with their lawyers and after some discussion came to their conclusion to advice me not to follow through with her request under what grounds am not entirety sure for this reasoning but to put things simply if i do choose to follow through with it that it would be on a personal level not professional basically letting me know that i wouldn't have their support in decided to go ahead with upon conclusion of this meeting was told to expect a phonecall within the hour from the mother to talk directly to me about this request felt overwhelmed and rushed upon having to make a decision per say especially as within that time frame i would be on the floor working no chance really to think executively and come up with a decision honestly felt in some way the decision had very much already been made for me if that makes sense furthermore on four separate occasions now i have been personally approached during work hours within the business walls whilst on the floor as such working directly with the children in my care attempting persuasion of my advised decision not to follow through with their request after the second attempt and again expressing my advised choices relating this matter aka to take the stand or not i found the mothers attitude change slightly toward me abit she became quite stand over almost now an intimidation feeling to the contact bet

J.F 14/03/2018 at 4:08 pm

I work in a hotel as a housekeeper. My supervisor who is the Housekeeping Manager is my boyfriend's ex partners bestfriend which has caused some atmosphere and awkwardness but for the most part we are civil so I thought. I recently learned from the ex girlfriend that my supervisor was telling her what shifts I am working, when I'm leaving, when I'm off sick and why I'm absent. This information has made me feel seriously uneasy and it's just not right. Is this a breach of confidentiality and should I take this further to HR? Need advice. Thanks

Runkid 13/03/2018 at 10:55 pm

If an employee makes an observation about another employee whether that be a manager or not. Is it okay that the person then goes and tells the person what has been said and who said it.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 15/02/2018 at 9:35 am

If you feel your manager has not been acting appropriately, and/or your manager feels they have a disagreement with you and you have both tried solving the matter informally, a grievance can be raised, An individual can raise a grievance for any matter or action that is deemed inappropriate in the workplace. Therefore, if you feel that the lack of confidentially is an issue, you can raise this with your employer.

Hedgehog haven 14/02/2018 at 2:25 pm

I have had an disagreement with a manager, and it has transpired that he discussed this issue and the fact that he was escalating via HR to others within my office and to people within an organization what I deal with.
The issue occurred on the Thursday and I was advised by a person at another company of the escalation.
On the Monday I received a letter from HR, I had no notification prior to the letter and my manager did not speak to me prior to getting the letter of investigation.
Is this right and should confidentiality not be included,

IzzyT Editor 15/02/2018 at 11:27 am

@NLR - I think I'd keep your head down and ignore it. News travels in workplaces. You could speak to your manager and HR about it, but you might just make the situation worse again.

NLR 14/02/2018 at 12:51 pm

I have been having a rough time at work, and it was showing in my attitude. I have been employed here for 9 years. I was pulled in by my manager and the HR director to be terminated. I became very emotional and pleaded for my job, promising to obtain professional help. I was given a second chance and not terminated. I emailed my manager twice, asking if anyone besides the three of us knew of the situation and that I was deeply ashamed of myself and did not want my coworkers to know about it. I was told that the supervisors were aware that "a conversation" was had with me. A couple of weeks later, I was informed by a coworker that one of the supervisors casually asked about me. The coworker said I was fine. The supervisor then said, "Well you know she was almost fired." I feel that this was a breach of my confidentiality. What do I do now?

Em 29/01/2018 at 10:08 pm

I made a complain about a senior care worker forcing a resident out of bed, the manager handed her the complain I wrote so she could see who wrote it, this is breach in our confidentiality and I was wondering what I can do about it as the worker as been saying things about me behind my back, is there anything I can do? Is this actually a breach in confidentiality? As I know they aren’t meant to pass on names let alone hand them the letter

ADE Editor 23/01/2018 at 2:20 pm

@K - not if the other team members need to know. Other senior employees would have to know that a complaint has been made in order to be able to deal with the complaint.

K 21/01/2018 at 11:47 pm

If an employee makes an complaint against another employee indirectly to the manager via an email could the complaint then be told to other members of the work force.

K 21/01/2018 at 11:45 pm

If a complain is made to the manager indirectly via an email. Could then the manager or supervisors spread the complaint to other non senior employees? Or is this a breach of privacy and confidential act.

Ian 22/11/2017 at 11:58 am

My daughter had a termination and we had to tell her line manager, for time off reasons. We have since found out that told a lot of employees. This was after her left. What’s the legals here. Thanks .

Hele78 Editor 10/11/2017 at 2:03 pm

@Leanne - your husband definitely has room to complain!

Leanne 09/11/2017 at 8:33 pm

Can anyone advise? My husband left his accountancy job and because he left before a certain time period had to pay back study fees. He has paid this off on a monthly basis. This evening a friend of his (who is also now a manager in the company) contacted him by text message saying he still owes money and can he pass his email address on. My husband is really unhappy that his friend has been asked to contact him and obviously told this information. Especially when he thought he had paid this fully. To me it is definitely unprofessional to contact him in this and my husband didn’t want to have discussions about debt he supposedly still owes with a friend who did not have knowledge of this until now but i also want to know if they have breached his confidentiality?

Ange 04/11/2017 at 12:25 pm

I spoke to my manager about something I had heard about something going on between two work colleagues. I mentioned I had heard about it and that people need to be careful because office gossips can ruin people's lives. My manager then went and told another manager what we had talked about and then that manager went and spoke to the person infront of others and now I am being blamed for spreading rumours when the only person I spoke to was my manager. Where do I stand with regards to making a complaint as my reputation has been tarnished and my manager and the person she told are the ones who made what I said public knowledge when I thought what I said to my manager was in confidence.

Annoyed 12/09/2017 at 6:14 pm

My line manager has just given me my appraisal. It was average despite how hard I feel I work for the company. My annoyance is that I don't believe she wrote it herself as I know her writing very well. I believe her husband may of wrote it, who does not work at our company. I confronted her and asked to do a sample of her writing but she wouldn't or couldn't as it obviously wasn't her. Is this breaking some confidentiality act as I thought appraisal were private?

Dreamer 07/09/2017 at 10:25 pm

I was told by another coworker that our manager didn't like me and 2 other of my coworkers. My coworker heard it from another coworker because the manager told her personally that she didn't like us 3. So I went to my mangers office to talk to her about this. My manager denied the rumors by saying if she didn't like us she would just run us off or fire us. 1 of the 3 coworkers talked to her as well about the same issue and she said, I know your coworker (me) already talked to me about this. The manger went on to discuss in some detail of what we talked about. I thought when you spoke with management its suppose to be confidential? Is this a breach of confidentiality as well?

Hells 07/09/2017 at 4:59 pm

I was expecting a call at work today from my doctor, that was coming to my mobile. The phone rang and i answered it but it was an agency calling about a job interview i went for yesterday. Before i could take the call outside my manager heard the person on the other end of the phone asking how the interview went yesterday. I was only outside a few minutes but on my return she had told another work colleague about the call and the content. The interview was taken on a half day holiday. Am i right to be really angry that she disclosed what my call was about?

GT 02/09/2017 at 5:56 am

Hi, my fiance and I work together... Some reacent events that were not my fault, led to me being fired. I have not yet heard that I am fired by any manager. My fiance heard the manager gossiping about how I do not work there anymore after another employee asked if I could take their shift... What are my rights here? Should she be telling other people that I am fired before I even know???

Safc1973 01/09/2017 at 7:24 am

Where I work their is two sites but both run by the same rules. Last night on public transport a girl from the other site sat behind me in her uniform with company logos in full view. She does not know me as I have never been to the other site to work and I noticed her because of the uniform and name badge. (I am still in probation so don't have the correct uniform yet so she couldn't see I work there too)
She sat and loudly slagged the company and colleagues off, she mentioned no names but it was evidently clear that she was talking about it. It was quite vicious what and how she said it and people on the bus could hear her.
Do I bring this up to management as if it gets back from one of the other passengers they will know I was on that bus too and it may affect me if I say nothing

Qwerty101 31/08/2017 at 3:06 pm

I recently informed my deputy manager about my pregnancy. As it's early days I didn't want every body at work knowing. I've found out he has told people in different departments and I'm really not happy about this as he has breached my confidentiality. What can I do about this?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 31/08/2017 at 2:11 pm

You would have to talk to your manager or higher manager directly about this in a bid to try to resolve the matter informally. If your managers ignore your complaint or you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing

Lalala 30/08/2017 at 6:07 pm

Recently I have been having a really hard time at work as my manager has all of a sudden turned on me and I don't know what I've done wrong. She has bumped into my Mam outside of work and told her that I could be getting sacked amongst other private work things. Is this a sackable offence?

Caz 08/08/2017 at 11:29 pm

I need advise- my GM, AM and supervisors were all talking openly today in the middle of work about my drepression and anxiety and all the other staff could hear them it was really embarrassing and I'm pretty sure it's illegal. Also the GM is the worst for spreading roomers I have told him things in confidence befor and in the next 10 muinets the whole of work will know. I want to make a complaint but don't want to lose my job, what should I do?

Ctay 07/08/2017 at 11:56 pm

My employer sent a very personal and confidential letter along with private medical info to me by way of a workmate who hand posted it threw my letter box at 22:30 at night surely this info should of been sent in the mail marked confidential any advice ???

Micky 07/08/2017 at 3:01 am

Lara have you resovloved this issue? Happy to help. Trade union rep -Don't worry not a militant employment law qualified. M

Wonderwoman 07/08/2017 at 2:39 am

Hello All
Fell on this site by default. I have read your posts and I am amazed at the lack of help. I am happy to assist you the best I can.
I will try and guide youn and you and sign post you to the best advice. If I can't help you.

Lara 17/06/2017 at 7:12 pm

I struggle to work with a narcissistic colleague who has treated me badly since just a few days after I started in the company. I have confronted her to see if we could make efforts to improve our work relationship but that wasn't successful.
The treatment still continues and ultimately it affected work ( motivation, the mood in the workplace, emotional wellness, amongst other things. So when my appraisal came I said it to managers. Who advised about setting up a meeting with her using a mediator. I didn't want to do this as it means confrontation with someone who you don't want to cause more trouble and make it even worse. Who wants to be ace to face with ge devil to prove to her she's wrong and she's treating me disrespectfully.
She doesn't see she does wrong.
This said person has recently given notice and I knew this was going to happen so didn't rock the boat and just told myself to live with it , it will all be over soon.

To cut a long story short. "Said person" made a petty lie up about about me to my line manager. And my line manager responded by making work place adaptions for a few weeks. Ie : relocating me to a different office while said person works off her notice.
But this wasn't the reasons given to me although ultimately I get the feeling it is.

In my defence I set up a meeting with a more senior manager to talk about the difficulties. And update her to how the situation is and to defend myself about the lie and put the story straight.
We spoke honestly about the ongoing problem and she also agreed that "said person" previously has issues with others and she wished I would have taking it further so she could deal with it officially.
Anyway. All that conversation got back to "said person" through whatever channels that same day so my issue is to confront the manager with this.
The manager has now left me feeling I can't trust her with anything confidential again. She is in breech of confidentiality and I want her to know I am not happy with this behaviour.
How should I handle this?

Jade 27/04/2017 at 10:22 am

Hi, I have recently had a misscarrige, I went into work after going to the hospital. My boss was in Italy and she text me asking why I hadn't answered the phone at 9, I replied by telling her I was really sorry I was late and what had happened. She replied saying she was 'shocked' by my message. Maybe she didn't want to hear my bad news? I was upset by this as I was already feeling very emotional. I carried on with my day and after work found myself in a lot of things pain, I headed to a and e where I was given morphine then had the baby surgically removed to stop the pain. I hadn't checked my phone as it was the last of my worries, when I did I saw a message from my boss asking if I could come in early. I replied apologising saying I had Togo back to the hospital I didn't mention in detail as I didn't want to 'shock' her again and said I wouldn't be able to go in atall, I got a nasty reply saying I've let her down and that it is very inconvenient for her, at this point I was extremely angry. Me losing my baby was an inconvenience for her. Does she have a heart? The next thing I know I receive a disgusting text from her lying that was meant for someone else saying that a friend of mine (we don't have anyone mutual) saying I had an abortion and that I seemed happy about it and that I had time off the week before (I didn't have any time of the week before) I was so angry I confronted her and she still didn't apologise I told her she was absolutely disgusting with no heart and I quit my job. I was wondering if she had broken the law by lying about me and discussing my personal life?

Suz 24/04/2017 at 6:17 pm

It was my manager who breached confidentiality. I reported this to my area manager who said that i couldn't do anything about it because the person that informed me of the breach was no longer working for the company. This troubled me for sometime and i still have sleepless nights due to this. Is there anything I can do.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 21/04/2017 at 11:47 am

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

Sabz 20/04/2017 at 6:29 pm

I work as a medical secretary and I'm fairly new at the job. My manager had a referral for her brother inlaw and I did the referral the same I do all the others, she then proceeded to change my letter, she made a big deal that I hadn't rushed it through (even though it wasn't urgent) and basically made a big deal to the other department manager and got her brother inlaw seen the next day!! Since then she has made my life hell!! She has also once took a picture of another family members referral! I feel like I want to report her!!

Misssunshine 26/03/2017 at 11:41 pm

Hi I think my employer has breached my privacy. I handed my sick note from my doctor in to work yesterday to a supervisor as my manager is not in. However today I have been messaged by a non- management member of staff who knew my reason for being off sick & said that most of our department know. Surely it is not right for management to have shared my medical note with non management members of staff? Is there anything I can do?

Crushed 08/03/2017 at 4:03 am

Look in for some advice yesterday I received a phone call stating that someone was getting out of prison which panicked me as I am a victim of S.A . I called my manager to make her aware of the situation and that I wouldn't be coming into work that night as my head was up my backside. I returned to work today only to find out she has told another employee on my shift (only 3 employees on my shift including myself) that employee then lied stating she found out through facebook yet nothing was posted on social media at all and she could have only found out from my manager. Is there anything I can do I'm completely and utterly embarrassed and horrified that she'd disclose such sensitive information about me.

Carlacorreia 06/03/2017 at 6:09 pm

My payroll Company sent my p45 to another member of staff. What can I do

Lauuzz 04/03/2017 at 7:04 am

Hi. I have sadly lost 2 babys over the last year. I asked my manager not to say anything as i was not ready to tell people, when i returned to work i was
As horrified to learn she had been telling peole and gossiping.
Also i was signed off work during the pregnancy due to complications and she told people i was not ill really surely this isnt right.

CathyG Editor 03/03/2017 at 2:05 pm

@Bigstan The company can do what it wants - but to do this is just awful and demoralising. Speak to your employer and if you don't get a result raise a grievance! Kate.

Bigstan 02/03/2017 at 4:23 pm

Can a company post the amount of sick days each person has had off on a wall on show to everyone ?

AW 16/01/2017 at 8:08 pm

My work colleague didn't come in to work last Friday as his mum had been taken into hospital. He phoned the manager on the Thursday night when she was taken in to inform him of the situation and let him know in advance that he may not be in for work in the morning. He sent a text to the manager early Friday morning to confirm that he would not be in that day. Later that morning the manager phoned my colleague, not out of concern, but to ask if it was him that had stolen a box of co-codamol tablets from the managers drawer. Is this allowed?

tee 16/01/2017 at 11:28 am

Hi There , i started working for a company 6 months ago
It was nerve wrecking getting through my intereview aand explaining my crimnal record past 20 yrs ago, i am not the person i once was and changed settled down and have a lovely family
My past is my past
My manager promise she would not tell any other person about this
Now i am in tears as the staff all know about my prevouis convictions and trying to find away to bully me out of work

Boo 11/01/2017 at 9:00 pm

My manager disclosed personal medical and disability information in a reference.

Is he allowed to share such sensitive information without my consent?

Benji 07/12/2016 at 8:42 pm

I've told my h.r department about a disability and also my personal manager. and now other managers who have nothing to do with me know about it. is this a breach of confidence?

2931 03/12/2016 at 10:37 pm

My manager took me into the office to discuss that I need to move to a different project (that's at least 2 bus journeys) and I had told her that if I was going there I would have to hand my notice in. She then asked me again if I had thought about the decision anymore and I said that (I still haven't made a definite decision). From a valuable sorce it has come to my knowledge that my senior has been discussing my personal employment information with other members of staff and I was just wondering ( seen as I have never spoken to my senior about it) whether it is okay for my manager to share my information with the senior if I had not given my blessing and if he was aloud to talk about it with other members of staff?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 30/11/2016 at 2:03 pm

Your employer should have a written grievance procedure that tells you what to do and what happens at each stage of the process. After raising the grievance you’ll have a meeting to discuss the issue. If 'nothing was done' i.e, you were not satisfied with the outcome, your only option would be to appeal, please see gov.uk which

SS 30/11/2016 at 2:59 am

I told my director something in confidence regarding another co-worker. She promised me she wouldn't tell anyone, but she did. She told the other employee and he started to harass and bully me. He harassed me 2yrs ago also and that was why i didn't want my director to say anything . I filed a grievance with H.R and nothing was done. What are my options?

CF 24/11/2016 at 10:26 pm

I recently had a strong difference of opinion with my manager about how I am being managed, while she criticised me for my attitude to colleagues.

I have since learnt she has met up with my line manager from my previous job in another organisation. I have reasonable grounds to believe my current line manager has breached her confidentiality agreement towards me by discussing me with my previous employer. How do I proceed here?

Scottie 24/11/2016 at 12:02 am

I have a friend who had a supervision at the meeting the manager told her that another staff member told her what she had said about the manager but anyway we had a staff meeting and the girl who told the manager got ripped to shreds by staff and by the manager I walked out of the meeting with disgust my manager phoned me at home and generally tore a strip of me told her the meeting had been a slagging match and I was disgusted she allowed it to happen I'm now having a meeting on Friday for expressing an opinion am I wrong and where do I stand if she sacksaid me .

Sal 19/11/2016 at 9:32 am

Hi, I had to come off the on call rota at work temporarily due to extreme tiredness assoc with early pregnancy.
My rota co-ordinator (senior to me) emailed a lot of people (not including me or my line manager) detailing the reason I was off the rota and the conditions of my sick note, as well as saying I "apparently couldn't cope".
I had previously told him I wanted my pregnancy to be kept private.
Has he just been tactless or unprofessional.

Nemo 04/11/2016 at 4:18 am

I had told something confidential to a manager at a motel..and it was broken..I was hurt..now she had turned everyone against still spreading my secrets and talking g ugly behind my back and doesn't realize it gets back to me..then she doesn't allow me at the work place where my fiance works..I used to live with him took care of the place bent over backwords..now she rats me out and uses everything at my face..and it keeps continuing...what do I do???

Maggie 24/10/2016 at 9:56 pm

Hi !i recently made a confidential statement against a colleague regarding threatening behaviour . I did not want yo make the statement but my management team promised complete confidentiality . I insisted my identity kept out of it as I had been threatened by colleagues previously because of the same thing and did not want people to know I complained . Unfortunately even though promised and was mentioned and promised twice in my interview my manager named me in a dismissal pack and put me in an impossible situation with my colleagues ! I am now being called a grass and been confronted daily and questioned ! Where do I stand ?

SarahJane 06/10/2016 at 2:41 pm

Hello
My husband has an outstanding grievance against a colleague at work over bullying and intimidation. My husband has been off work with stress now for 3 months waiting for the grievance to be heard and all the time has not been paid but he has not been fit to return until this grievance has been resolved. The grievance has been heard and we are awaiting the outcome, but on the night of the grievance, the guy that the grievance was against told another employee that my husband was off stressed because he had an outstanding tax bill which he was paying off through a change to his tax code. Now this information was only known by my husband and employer so obviously his employer has shared this information which it looks like they are trying to use to go against my husband. Isn't this breach of confidentiality and what can we do about it? My husband has been happily paying this through his tax code

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 05/10/2016 at 12:13 pm

Your manager had every right to report this, if your behaviour was deemed by her as inappropriate.

B 04/10/2016 at 2:31 pm

Hi
I've recently told my manager that I've got a crush on her. I know I shouldn't have but I really liked her and I love her as a person and I thought she was amazing so I thought she just had to know in case I had a chance. She told me she had a partner at first, so I thought still that is not a proper no is it? So yes I flirted a bit too much and she has told her boss about this and has been saying that I was saying inappropriate things, I told her that I liked her and told her please keep it to yourself after she made it clear that I had no chance I stopped so can someone please tell me did she HAVE to tell her boss as she is saying this was the case that she had to tell her boss about this because it's her boss ?

Hario 13/09/2016 at 11:52 pm

I recently left my last job who passed my wage slip and p45 onto an old work colleague as they thought I may see them sooner instead of posting them to me or asking me to collect them.
Surely this isn't right? Isn't it a breach of confidentiality?

receptionist 05/09/2016 at 11:00 am

I been with employer 6 years . I changed sites last year and big mistake . the manager who i know hasn't liked me was hell. sarcastic comments, it was horrible to where i would cry because I don't want to go work. I was off 5 months lasted 3 months then on sick since January. this is what gets to me . my manager knew I had tried to commit suicide. I spent some time in hospital. my partner took my sick note in manager wasn't there. the ladies said " how is paula doing "? as the manager had told them I had tried to kill myself. I was mortified. and it's only recently I have been told this
also I have an eating disorder. never admitted to it and never told anyone but in a meeting both my managers said do you know all your colleagues know you eat and then be sick. and being at work I didn't eat because of what I do do so by saying that makes me wonder if both managers have told my colleagues private and confidential information which surely they did not he know
i emailed my manager saying I felt uncomfortable with everyone knowing my problems . she said my colleagues get told things on a need to know basis. and that they have strict confidentiality rules.
so did my colleagues have to know all about my problems. I'm more angry over what my colleagues said about why I ended up in hospital in January. I don't see why they would be told all this.
sorry for the rant I'm just upset, angry and embarrassed ... any advice would be great
thank you

Gr 03/09/2016 at 12:33 am

Hi.My manager has breaches my medical information,what can i do? Ive inform HR about my problem and they push this information to my two managers. One of them did not keep my secret and he tells this to his GF. His GF have a sister and now all her family knows. A know this girl and she can't keep any information. What can I do. Should i report this to HR?? Help me please.

fi 06/08/2016 at 3:50 am

My employee has breaches my medical information,what can i do? I did not tell anybody for a reason as i am a very private person and feel that they should not be able to get away with this as if i had breached there confidentiality i would have been sacked. Reply plz asap

Cyn 02/08/2016 at 5:48 am

Well my problem is that I have tried to fix a problem that kept happening and I told the manager what was happing and then the managers told the preson who turned her in for it so now she is bullies me on things now pushes me out and saying alot of mean thing to other employees about me and so I when talked to the manager and told him what was going on and I was getting bullied and the things people where saying all he really said was what he was told and turned it around on me said they are saying that I was trying to recruit them to leave for a nether job never once did I say that but it is my word against there's I started to cry tried so hard not to I felt bad I told him that's a lie I never did that did it matter no he said more then one employee has said this I was like really that is not right when they ask me where I have applied or they say try here this is open and I am like cool thanks.. just so you know I am part time looking for a full time so they know I been looking I have been at this job little over 2 years and this is happening to me like really I am sorry if it sounded like that but I really was not trying recruit them.. then I told him how can we fix the problem with the employee that is bulling me and he said what is this preson doing I told him what was happening he fletcher that it is not so all I got was what do you want to do I said I have tried to talk to her she would not let me at all so I came here and he just said what do you wanna do bring her here and we sit down together I was like that won't work she is not going to care so pretty much he is on her said anyways how he made it sound.. so I went home thought about it I felt bad so I said I will apologize to the employees if I made them feel that way so I did so and one asked me why you apologize for that you did nothing wrong so I said I was told that I did that and other employees said that so I wanted to apologize I told that preson that the manager told me and I am sorry was I wrong to say where it came from I just figured it would make them happy to know I did get talked to so what do you think and was I wrong??

mark 30/06/2016 at 6:46 am

hi!my workmate posted our photo on Facebook 1 year ago and share it again without me knowing . She posted a misleading caption and comment.My relationship with my girlfriend was being affected because of it. I want her to apologize with what she did but she refuse too. Do i have the right to file a case against her? What case?

Anon 10/06/2016 at 11:13 am

I recently handed in my notice and gave my employer over a month to find my replacement. I had many conflicts with one individual who targeted me for conflict and constantly made underhanded and undermining comments throughout the working day. I expressed this to my employer on many occasions, and although conversations with the other employee were had, improvements were not made. I had a very good job for my age, and I did not want to let somebody else ruin all the hard work I put in. Eventually I was prescribed anti-depressants to help me deal with these situations at work however I felt that the office culture was weighing me down to a point I had to put my happiness before my career. Upon learning that one of my senior management members had informed the colleague that made my life miserable that I was leaving. This prompted said employee to make a whispery comment in my ear that she knew I was leaving, and that to save an un-necessary stress we should make it easy on each other. Now, although this appears to be a reconcile, I new in my heart she was over joyed that she had broken me, and couldn't hold in the satisfaction of telling me she knew, and that she wanted a truce. Everything I had gone through was directly influenced by this Lady, I wanted to leave in peace on my own terms, without any comments from other staff, especially not from her. I feel very let down by my management as they knew this was a sensitive issue for me, I had technically served a two week period in which my notice and was doing them a favour my staying, so they had more time to find a replacement. I walked out. Everyone has there limits and I feel mine were met today. I would like advice on what implications this may have, I don't want to cause my employer any stress and wouldn't dream of taking them to tribunal, however I would like confirmation that the fact they informed another member of staff that I was leaving, against my will, was wrong of them.

Thank you

Gemma 04/06/2016 at 7:32 am

I applied for an internal job which would be a promotion for me. Someone from the panel told the head of my department that I had applied for the job and she then told my boss. I feel that my application has not been kept confidential and now my office will know if I have not been successful in getting a promotional position. Is this a breach in confidentiality?

cordy 21/05/2016 at 8:03 am

hi i work in a nursing home i was taken into a meeting yesterday as on the 14th may i went tommy sisters engagement party got drunk and did not turn up for work on the 15th may i did not call in before 6 as i had a hangover and was still asleep no body from work called to see why i had not called in as they normally do if y dnt call in.my manager was surpose to do the meeting but instead she passed it to the clinical lead to do so.and to my shock horror while i was at work yesterday a member of staff had told eerybody else that my team leader postion i was no longer that person so the i went and asked that person were they had got this information from she replied from the nurse so it makes me think that data protection whit this information has been broken and sso has confiedentiality to i was very upset with this news i was asked wheen i had the meeting if i had read groose misconduct handbook which i had no decision has been made i will not trust my manager with anything again i believe that things like this should be between me and my manager not me manager and the whole home i feel used unhappy sad disgusted that she would do this i have already spoken to acas when i was given two letters reguarding this issue.

JustMe 20/05/2016 at 6:48 pm

I let my manager know that I was doing IVF (fertility treatment) so that he would know why I would be out for a few days. I told him this in confidence. I went as far to explain to him why it was confidential - that I didn't want looks of pity if it did not work out or for folks to be judgmental about it.

A few weeks later, he told me that he had shared that with the Board of Directors of our company. When I told him that I was upset that he had shared what I had asked him to hold in confidence, he stated that he felt that they might need to know for planning for later in the year in case I had to be on leave.

1. I wasn't even pregnant.
2. I didn't share this information with my family and friends.
3. We had not decided if we were going to even share this at all.

I was so disappointed. Is this right??

confused and upset 20/05/2016 at 12:07 pm

I recently told my boss that a couple of parents and a supplier had said the same negative thing about her behavour. I told her in confidence during a conversation about her concerns and I asked her not to pass this on to the people involved but unfortuantely she did. I was very annoyed at and disappointed about it and feel debrayed. It has achieved absolutely nothing except her self gratification. In fact the parents are now not talking to me. She has asked me to pass on to her any comments from parents/suppliers which I did but I won't be doing that in future.

Snowrider 10/05/2016 at 3:55 pm

I've recently been offered another job which my employer is aware of, I haven't resigned from my post yet as I'm still waiting for my written offer/contract. Today a member of staff in the company approached my manager to verify if I was leaving (I don't know who, and apparently they had heard it from a person they knew at my prospective new place of work). Is it a breach of confidentiality for my manager to confirm to the person I'm leaving, as I've not actually resigned yet.

Smith 15/04/2016 at 2:15 am

Unfortunately I have medical condition, which is ongoing and I am awaiting surgery.my employer us aware of this. My manager has revealed my condition to another member of staff, I am gutted, very upset, I am a very private person especially at work,...I don't discuss my problems, even ny son and daughter in law aren't aware of the problem.
What can I do about this

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 18/03/2016 at 10:47 am

Despite the upset, I'm afraid you will have to tell the Jobcentre that you have left your job, which could affect your benefits.

Poppy 17/03/2016 at 8:18 am

Please could you give me advice on last topic I wrote

Poppy 16/03/2016 at 11:49 pm

Hi.I worked in a large care home for a year.I became very good friends with someone I thought I could trust as we rang and texted each other.Anyway I was on holiday last week and my friend and I texted each other one night and I was very sad as it had just been my birthday and a few years before I was drugged and sexually assaulted and she knew about this so I was sad thinking back.I thought it was odd she never once replied all week I thought it was odd.I returned to work and my manager pulled me into office.She said I had been texting pal about what happened to me and was upset so decided not to reply and blocked me on Facebook.I was utterly shocked and crying I couldn't believe someone who I was fond of backstabbing me.So it was uncomfortable for that day.Luckily other person was on holiday!!!!
I was so upset I went up to my floor and went into to empty bins in a room and the resident could see I had been crying and she said Are you Leaving??I said no as I can't tell people that.Anyway this morning my manager pulled me into office and spoke about confidentiality which I know about.She was told by that resident that I was the one that said I was leaving which was not true.
My horrible manager said to me I don't want you here Please Leave and said I will call you if I need you back to work notice.I thought no way can she do this without months payment in lieu.
So at teatime today had a missed call from work.I know she would want me back as staff on holiday the next 2 weeks and without me there in the crap.No way am I going back after the disgusting way I was treated.
What can I do?Ive had interview today filling in paperwork and should have interview in next couple days.If get job have to wait 3-4 for pvg to come through.
So I've been advised to sign on tomorrow but what do I tell job centre on paperwork.Ive no money after one week.

Tams 05/03/2016 at 12:04 am

Looking some advise. Today in office my manager spoke to another senior advisor (in our team) about issues our team have been having and that he is sick of it and will taking us all to HR and named some workers to him including myself, the advisor then discussed this with us, that eas OK until some of us went for lunch in canteen, and another manager was discussing it and was making disappointment noises and faces to us and said that our manager has told her about this and ablut each inidividual and what they are doing wrong. We have meeting tomorrow with manager, just wondering if this is acceptable or breaching confidentialty

Margo 10/02/2016 at 4:53 pm

Hi there
Is possible manager speak about your privet issue with health to other supervisors ??? Or this should stay privet and confidential ??? Please I need a help ;(

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 10/02/2016 at 1:59 pm

You should be able to raise and additional grievance and see if there is anything that can be resolved i.e moving departments etc. However, to get further advice on your options, I suggest in this instance you give ACAS a call via whichI hope this helps.

Eggy 10/02/2016 at 7:26 am

I raised an issue regarding another team members practices during my 1:1 supervision with my manager. She raised these concerns with my colleague and told her directly it was me that had said it, so my colleague caused a massive drama in the office and told my other colleagues all about "what I had said" even though they all agreed with my issues as they too had a problem with it but we're not will img to speak out themselves!!

The issue now is that my manage only went and emailed this colleague my 1:1 notes (accidentally but I am questioning this in my head as my manager has her own issues with this colleague too) this woman has read them all the way through despite it clearly identifying they are my 1:1 notes, and has created a huge issue about the legitimate concerns I raised, I fear now that what was already a contentious situation has now become impossible for me to work with her and feel totally betrayed by my manager.
She has admitted fault and completed an incident form, but I don't know where to go with this situation, I am so upset about it all.

Balla84 20/01/2016 at 8:36 pm

My actual manager was away on holiday, I applied for another job (bank shifts) the reference sent was addressed to my ward manager, a senior member of staff opened the reference (which was not addressed to her) then told staff I was leaving, I had no intention of leaving. I've received texts messages from friends saying how sad they are I'm leaving etc ... When asked they told me me the manager who had announced it in front of everyone. Is this a breach of my confidentiality and what can I do. Please help these women think they can do whatever they want!!!

Midfest 17/01/2016 at 10:37 am

my old employer has told people where I know work and live, my old employer has also been to my 2 places of work and tried to make complaints about me. I got sacked from there because I was ill, I was actually advised by the gp not to go to work till I could be seen by my gp. Surely they have broke the law somewhere?

Zme 08/12/2015 at 9:40 pm

I work at the same place as my partner, who I belive is unfairly treated by team leader and manager, we work to the same targets and although he often achieves much better than I, he keeps getting questioned and threatened with diciplinary proceedues for such.
In the most recent meeting however the subject turned to me, and the fact we are undermining management by talking in the office. Further to this, my performance statistics and my undesireable need to wander the office when i need assistance was brought up and my partner was questioned on this and was told he was partially to blame.
I have not been spoken to about this and i believe that this should be discussed with me not in. Anothers meeting.
This meeting was also recorded on the managers personal phone without the consent or even notification of my partner.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 07/12/2015 at 12:06 pm

I don't understand what the problem is here as a rota is not really something private or that needs to be hidden for any reason. Many companies will pin the staff rota to the wall, or make is accessible to all staff online.

Del 04/12/2015 at 11:43 pm

I am not employed directly in this company they are only over seeing us doing our payroll etc. I have another employer this employer asked if they can have a copy of my rota and they produced the copy of my rota without my consent they gave these to my first employer are they allowed to do these things without my consent as this is confidential ? Advise please....

Del 04/12/2015 at 11:30 pm

Not my direct employer divulged my Rota to my other employer is this right without asking my consent . I need advise please .

MarkyMark 12/11/2015 at 7:26 pm

I work in Florida.

I confided in my direct Manager a very personal set of circumstance (an imminent divorce with my partner for fidelity reasons, and my sleeping at a friends house as I cannot stand to be under the same roof as my cheating partner).

My Manager went and shared what I thought was confidential information with his peer Manager on another team.

That Manager then attended an after work social event (trivia night at a local bar) attended by work colleagues and proceeded to share the details of my personal circumstances with everyone in attendance, as well as other juicy bits of office gossip they had collected.

Now, all of our company locations are aware of my personal circumstances, something I was trying to avoid.

I had not told anyone at work, ANYONE, besides my immediate Manager about my situation.

Am I in any way protected by any legal or HR rules?

Did my Manager have the right to share my confidential and sensitive information with their peer?

Did that peer/Manager have the right to share my confidential and sensitive information with a table of my colleagues?

Do I have the ability to escalate internally? What sort of HR/disciplinary action could I expect either my immediate Manager or their peer Manager to face?

Thanking you in advance.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 11/11/2015 at 11:33 am

You would need to read your contract and see what it says about the sharing of the staff house. I think in this instance, I would give ACAS a call also to discuss your rights as you would need to approach this matter in the correct way. I have also included an ACAS link to raising a grievance, here. I hope this helps.

Ella 10/11/2015 at 8:52 am

I live outside of a small mine community in a staff house as there is no housing available in the village. I have been at this address for over a year . 5 days ago i was called into the housing / hr managers office to discus other workers moving into the staff house with me. We agreaed to two more staff members moving in. Yesterday i received a txt message from the manager stateing that herself and another manager were moving into the house with me. I was not happy with the txt message i received as i was awear that we agreaed to two other staff members moving in. Today the two female managers move in and didn't realise that i was home. I then over herd the housing / hr manager discuss information about me with the other manager that was ment to be kept confidentual . And also how she the housing/hr manager is trying to get me out of the staff house for her own personal reasons. This manager has been employed at my job for only 5 months and because she takes care of housing she thinks that she can move me and other employees around to suit her own personal needs. Can you please inform me of what rights i have as an employee for breaching the privacy act and using me as her gossip for the day to other managers/ co workers. I feel like i am being bullyed for her own personal gain.

Fee Editor 09/11/2015 at 12:25 pm

@shaz - It depends what you wanted to contact the union over - you don't have to reveal anything about the content of the letter, who it is from etc. But if you have an issue over aspects of it, then you should be able to articulate and have your say without breaching any of the confidentiality agreement. FF

shaz 06/11/2015 at 6:02 pm

I have been given a legally privalged confidential and private letter and told not to speak to anyone in work about it, can I contact the union without getting into trouble

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 28/10/2015 at 12:21 pm

I suggest you give ACAS a call directly regarding this question in order to find out whether your employer was working within company guidelines.

LCG 27/10/2015 at 11:06 am

I was applying for a new internal position and was required to discuss it with my manager prior to going forward with the application. After applying, but before hearing the outcome of my application I found out that my manager had told another employee in the office who has nothing to do with me that I had applied for this new role. There was no need to discuss it with her as it did not effect her in any way, it was basically brought up as general chit chat. I have since found out that I was not successful with the new position and want to know if my manager had any right to tell other members of staff about this? thanks

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 22/10/2015 at 11:24 am

It depends what context this was carried out in. There is a fine line between bullying or intimidation, and constructive comments connected to performance, which sometimes are hard for us to hear. It is difficult to answer this question, therefore you may wish to give ACAS a call and talk to someone directly, especially if you feel your boss's behaviour has crossed the line.

Dave 21/10/2015 at 9:32 am

My employer used my paperwork as a bad example to other employees and discussed my poor work. Is this illegal?

ACH1995 18/09/2015 at 4:07 pm

Someone at work told some confidential information to someone and they've accidently brought it up in conversation, can that person get sacked if they are passed there probationary stage at work?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 13/07/2015 at 11:53 am

@Grace - I can only suggest that you give ACAS a call via whichI hope this helps.

Grace 10/07/2015 at 11:52 am

I've been suspended from work following a long period of sickness (not related) During discussions with my employers I was reassured on two occasions that only senior managers and my immediate colleagues would be told I was suspended. I have however been informed that another 20 or so managers who sit beneath me on the structure have been formally told. I find this extremely upsetting. I work in the area where I live and am too ashamed and afraid to socialise locally for fear of bumping into colleagues. This has happened and I've been ignored (I think staff have been told not to speak to me) I work for a local authority and I'm also aware that other employees in other authorities also know.
I've asked my employer for details of who they've told, why, how and who authorised this and that I object. I've had no reply. My union are hopeless and have no teeth. What can I do?

phats 09/07/2015 at 7:09 pm

On the 8th of July I got a phone call of a work collage saying I have two discliplary hearings. When I got to work the letters was on top of lockers. In big bold letters says private and confident. Had my address on it. Wasn't even in a envelope.

Orangina1 27/06/2015 at 10:35 am

I'm 7 weeks pregnant. I had to call in sick b/c of morning sickness, and a supervisor from another shift has seen an email regarding this. I don't work on his shift but he does tell others that he hates my shift, he's very derogatory about us, calls us names to others etc.

Yesterday someone congratulated me publicly in the mess room in front of some of my shift, and told me this supervisor had told them.

I've reported it all to my own supervisor, who I'm hoping will deal with it and take him to task with management, what I don't know is if I have grounds to submit a formal complaint.

He's caused so much stress, I was shaking, I had tummy pains, and had dreams about it last night. I'm so so upset by the situation.

I don't want him to get away with it! He's treated my special PRIVATE news as gossip! In fact when I realised he's seen the email I actually raised concerns with my own supervisor before any of this happened!

Ktypee 15/06/2015 at 4:32 pm

Hello,
I've had my job for about three years and over the time through pay reviews got myself quite a decent wage, this has recently been increased more so because of my 'excellence' in an area of work. I had to sign an additional contract to say that this could be taken off me if my standards fall, which is completely fair in my eyes. My issue is, the additional pay rise is being taken off me but the manager at my work has been discussing this with other staff members (who is her boyfriend) before talking to me about it. Another manager at work has also been openly discussing how much I get paid (and moaning about it) so all staff on shift. I was under the impression that my rate of pay was confidential, are they breaking the law? And what should I do about it?

Amaarah 23/04/2015 at 7:09 pm

Hi , I have had a very had few weeks at work as I just found out I'm pregnant and its unwanted pregnancy, one member of staff over heard me talking to my dentist (I'm dental assistant) about me being pregnant and that I'm going for medical abortion. The new member of staff was told by me that she can not tell anyone at work as its breaching of staff confidentiality , she has then told people at different practice where the nurse told a dentist and then he told everyone else and the locum nurse who cme to our practice told everyone at my practice. It's very depressing when everyone knows about this I spoke to my manager told her I want this sorting properly by the book as that girl is a new member of staff and still on probational period so should be fired same as all the rest registered dental nurses who helped to spead it. Who can I contact so that it can be sorted properly?

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 02/04/2015 at 1:40 pm

@whatapickle - I can't see any action could be taken against you. But you might want to give Acas a call to get some advice about your own rights and where you stand. You can do this via whichI hope this helps.

whatapickle 31/03/2015 at 7:53 pm

I'm a trainee at a Dental Practice and have recently been let off, one of the reasons supporting this was that I breaching confidentiality. A while ago a Dentist left a open letter of their resignation on their computer and i accidentally saw the title and read no more as it's not my business. Later a Nurse came in and saw the document and questioned it, I said I believe it's a letter of resignation. A few days later, some colleagues had common knowledge of this said Dentist leaving, something which had been known even before I accidentally saw the letter, as they discussed it I said they were resigning because I had seen a letter. Am i at fault for this, when they left the letter out for all to see? This was a mistake and I had no idea of what I might have breached by saying I read the title of a letter. Could they take legal action against me? Would appreciate any help, thank you!

LouLou Editor 26/03/2015 at 11:02 am

@waynerob - I think you would be able to do something if you still worked for the company, such as report it as a staff grievance, but now you're gone I don't think you can. I'm sure he'll move on to talking about someone else soon as you begin to fade from his mind. Sounds like you did the right thing getting out of there!

waynerob 23/03/2015 at 1:06 pm

I recently left my job. I have been told that my ex manager has been telling the other staff personal information about me In drivers meetings. Also telling them that I had a criminal record. Is he allowed to do that. Is there anything I can do about it. I only worked for him for Four months. The reason I left was because he was a bully and I did not agree with the way he bullied people. I have approached the HR of the company but they say they won't do anything about it.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 25/02/2015 at 10:20 am

@gggvv - as specified in the article people in authority may be privy to all manner of confidential data about their business and its workforce. But they have a position of responsibility, and have been trusted to maintain the confidentiality of this data. Where less senior staff need access to this information, the business will generally release it to them in an appropriate form. It is always difficult when the personal and the professional overlap, as your ex is bound to find out at some point that you were going to leave and it is hard to say whether or not your employer has over-stepped the mark, or someone less senior has once given the information. But it was bound at some point to become common knowledge. If you asked your employer to keep it under wraps then it is unfortunate they haven't. If you are unhappy about the way it has been dealt with, in the first instance you should approach your employer and try and resolve the issue informally. Should you need any further advice, I suggest you give Acas a call.

gggvvv 22/02/2015 at 7:41 pm

My ex partner works at my old place of work we have a child and currently not on good terms he doesn't want anything to do with them. I left the particular place of work because of him. Tonighti have received a text from him which states he'she knows I've handed in my notice. Im really upset as my management team know why I have had to leave yet my personal information has been released. I don't even live in the same city as him now due to the circumstances, we dont have contact and pretty upset that my former workplace have done this. What can I do.

EmployeePrivacyRights Editor 13/10/2014 at 11:33 am

@Happy. As advised on our website one mark of professionalism is the ability to keep certain information confidential, filtering out the confidential parts from what is passed down to workers, and controlling what is fed back from them to higher management.

I suggest you contact your HR officer and tell them that you don't want your personal information being shared out among the rest of the staff, which is a perfectly reasonable request. You can also mention about not wanting to be part of the holiday incentive scheme - it may prompt them to look at the procedure as a whole.

HAPPY 12/10/2014 at 11:33 am

I am a manager in a furniture business. As an incentive all managers have been given the chance to go on a holiday if they meet certain targets. I was not interested in winning the holiday so did not want to put my name down for it. I was told by my line manager that this was not in the spirit of things, so I had to email my personal details, address, D.O.B etc to head office. My line manager collated all the managers details, then because some of us had not put our passport details asked us all to email this information asap. He has sent an attached template to all managers with all our personal details on it! I feel really upset and angry that he has given out my details without any prior warning or consideration for my privacy! I would like to know how I stand legally with this being allowed to happen?

Erik 25/08/2014 at 8:09 am

One of my supervisors was made aware of a medical condition that I have already sought treatment for. This medical condition does not affect my job duties nor my performance when carrying out my job duties. When my supervisor confronted me about my condition, I made sure that he was well aware that I had already sought medical treatment and that I was regularly changing out my bandages. My supervisor then told me that I could no longer change out my bandages in the lunchroom and made it clear that no reasonable accomodation would be made. I have since worked out a private (not so comfortable) area in an attempt to make sure that I could dress my wound. The following week, I come to find out that this supervisor had told at least one of his colleagues of my condition. His colleague began to question my co-workers about the seriousness of my wound. I felt harassed and my that my trust was violated. Thoughts?

Janey 15/08/2014 at 5:00 am

I have worked at an English private boarding school for a period of 7 years as senior teacher, my head and my director of education have been having an affair (not proven) I have discussed this with other personnel, two of whom saw fit to inform them. On the last day of term I was demoted by letter, obviously I was distraught and went to my room, at no time did I show the letter to anyone but that evening we had a staff dinner and I got fairly drunk. I am now being accused of breaching a confidentiality, even though the letter stayed in my room and I cannot remember talking about it to anyone. Is this a sackable offence

Emmab83 07/01/2013 at 11:05 pm

I have recently been going through a rough time at home. I was assaulted but my x partner which resulted in a orbital fracture, my mum called work to tell them I would not be in for my shift and explained the reason why to the senior in charge, when I piped into work everyone knew what had happened, also my manager said to work collauges one was on maternity leave , that I had brought the company name down by getting a black eye I was very upset I am now off work due to the stress what can I do about this ?

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