The retention of personal data is mainly governed by the requirements of the Data
Protection Act and the associated Codes of Practice. Ensure that you have clear
guidelines and procedures for document retention to ensure compliance with these and
that managers do not keep duplicate copies of documents in separate files.
Time off for training: as from April 2010, employees of businesses
with 250 or more employees will have the right to request time off (unpaid) for
training.
See: time off to train.
Data protection: as from 6 April 2010, the Information Commissioner
will be able to fine those who deliberately or knowingly serious breach the DPA.
Fines may be up to £500K. See: data protection
Blacklisting of union members: and also as from April 2010, new
regulations will prohibit the compilation, use, sale or supply of blacklists containing
details of trade union members and activities, where the purpose of such lists is to
discriminate against workers on grounds of their union membership or activities.
See: unions.