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The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is on it's way

This new regulation will replace all existing national and EU data protection legislation, including the UK's Data Protection Act of 1998.  It will apply to all UK companies from 25 May, 2018. Although Britain have decided to leave the EU, we still need to be ready for this new legislation coming our way.  

The goal of the GDPR is to "give citizens back the control of their personal data";UK companies must be able to demonstrate any data collected is for 'legitimate, explicit and specified' reasons.   It seeks to harmonise and modernise data protection laws across the EU, ensuring the new ways in which we share information these days is included.  Penalties for non compliance have increased to a maximum fine of €20 million Euro (or 4% of annual worldwide turnover).

The GDPR builds on the current law, whilst increasing obligations, with a few extra requirements thrown in for good measure, it significantly enhances the rights of data subjects. For example, with regard to the right to information, employers will need to provide more detailed information as to the how and why of the processing of HR related personal data. It will become more difficult for employers to obtain a valid consent from their employees to process personal data in the HR context. As a result, employers must seek alternative legal grounds, such as ‘the contractual necessity’ or ‘the employers’ legitimate interest’. 

How can we support you?

If you handle data, any data, in whatever format or medium you should ask yourself if you really need it, and for how long.  If data doesn't serve a purpose, why do you hold it?  HR Connected will work with you to ensure your compliance to existing data protection law ahead of these changes, ensuring you are in an optimum position to be ready for the changes this year.

HR Connected also run easy to understand and meaningful seminars and training courses on this subject. Contact us to find out more.

© 2016 by HR Connected

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