http://www.wrce.org.uk

Data protection … more fines, enforcement stepped up

In another case showing that, after a very slow start to any enforcement, the  Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is now showing it has some teeth, and there are some perhaps rather unlikely recipients of fines (although perhaps not when judging criteria of likely breach and size of organization). The ICO has fined Surrey County Council the amount of £120,000.00 for a number of instances of  mishandling of personal data. The most serious of the breaches involved distribution of very sensitive and confidential data about physical and mental health conditions held by the Social Care Department at surrey Council by email to a number of recipients by mistake, grouped by email. The recipients included all types of local businesses, including taxi companies and such like, altogether very embarrassing and distressing for the subjects of the leaked data.

For advice on data protection, confidential information or commercial law, please click on the links to solicitors.

Waring Solicitors are a well known and established firm of solicitors, specialising in injury claims, whether whiplash, road traffic accident, tripping and slipping claims or work related injury claims. the firm offers a nationwide generally no win no fee service which has been successfully utilised by literally thousands of claimants. The firm operates with the highest standards of professionalism and client care so if you have need to make an injury claim or are for example an employer seeking advice on contract of employment or an employee needing advice on a compromise agreement, why not get in touch with Waring.

Reasons for having a social media policy

• Sends a clear signal about company expectations for employee use of social media by having a separate social media policy.
• Reminds employees that social media use at work is not necessarily private and that the employer can discipline employees for conduct that breaches employee policies or the contract of employment
• Makes clear that online conduct harmful to the company can amount to misconduct or in some cases gross misconduct.
• Include appropriate restrictions covering:
  • employee use of company intellectual property assets and confidential and privileged information;
  • protection of third-party confidentiality and privacy;
  • prohibition on harassment or bullying of other employees;
  • prohibition on discrimination; and
  • prohibition on negative comments about the company, its employees, business contacts or competitors.
• Preserves a good business relationships and promotes a strong corporate image by:
  • Evidencing that your business is fully aware of technological impact, opportunities but also risks
  • Awareness of the importance of anti-defamation measures
  • Avoiding use of solicitors and in particular litigation solicitors !