An employee who left his firm and joined a competitor was recently fined £300 – with more than £450 in costs and victim surcharge – by Bradford Magistrates' Court after he unlawfully took the details of more than 100 of the firm's contacts to his new employer.
Although a relatively minor case, it highlights the issues surrounding data security and problems that can arise when employees change jobs.
It is important for firms to have robust data protection procedures and policies in place. We can assist you in developing appropriate policies and contractual arrangements.
If you are offered sensitive information by a new employee or anyone else, it is important to remember that unlawfully obtaining personal data is a criminal offence under the Data Protection Act 1998 and is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 in a Magistrates' Court or an unlimited fine in the Crown Court.
Contact our Corporate and Commercial team for advice on any data protection matter on the number above or fill in our online enquiry form.
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