My employer refuses to tell me what information is being kept about me in personnel records. What can I do?

The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you important rights to ask your employer about the type of personal information your employer holds about you - including information in your personnel records. You also have the right to know how that information was obtained, how that information is or will be used and who is likely to have access to it. You can also write to your employer, asking for a copy of the personal information in your personnel records, provided these are held either on a computerised system, or are held on paper and are organised into a ‘relevant filing system’ (in other words are held in a fairly sophisticated, structured filing system, so that the information about you is easily located).

Your employer can refuse to give you a copy of some information if doing so would involve a breach of confidence owed to someone else; or would involve a disproportionate effort.

If your employer is refusing to tell you what personal information is being kept about you, you can complain to the Information Commissioner. The Helpline number is 01625 545 745 and the website is www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

If you are a union member, talk to your union first, as they may be able to help.