Employment code of practice on data protection

The Information Commissioner will publish before the end of this month the first two parts (of four parts in total) of an Employment Code of Practice on Data Protection.

The Code provides guidance on data protection issues in employer/employee relationships. It is anticipated that this will become the benchmark that the Information Commissioner will expect employers to adhere to.

Parts one and two deal with information relating to recruitment, selection and every day personnel matters. Employees have a right to see virtually all documents relating to the selection process including hand-written interview notes, e-mail logs and candidate comments. Later sections will cover employee monitoring and employee medical records and drug testing.

Employers should review their recruitment practices ensuring selectors are aware that their comments and observations are no longer confidential.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.