Data protection has an impact on handling recruitment, employee record-keeping, and many other HR activities. Employers must understand their data protection responsibilities and liabilities. It's important to keep up-to-date with data protection developments.

This factsheet outlines data protection legislation in the UK and proposed changes to that legislation. These laws affect how organisations gather, store and use data and individual rights over access to information. The factsheet offers guidance on following good data protection practices at work and includes a practical action plan for organisations.

On this page

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

View our resources

Related content

Employment law
Data protection, surveillance and privacy at work: UK employment law

Explore our collection of resources surrounding the legal issues relating to data protection, surveillance and privacy in the workplace

For Members
Guide
People manager guide: Managing data protection requirements

This guide provides managers with an overview and principles to apply when handling GDPR and data protection requirements to ensure they play their part in complying with regulations governing its safe handling.

For Members
Factsheet
Retention of HR records

Introduces the legal issues in the UK around effective retention and organisation of HR records

For Members
Topic
Data Protection and GDPR resources

Learn more about data protection and GDPR to ensure your organisation is compliant.

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet
HR policies

An overview of the purpose and benefits of HR policies and how to implement and communicate them effectively throughout an organisation

Factsheet
Workforce planning

Explores the benefits of workforce planning, the activities involved and the stages of the workforce planning process

Factsheet
Discipline and grievance at work

Learn the fundamentals of disciplinary and grievance policies and practices in the workplace

Factsheet
Employee relations: an introduction

Understand what employee relations means as a concept and what it means to employers

Factsheets