CSA contacted employer without my consent - what are my rights?

[Tamashii]

Am using my wife's username to post on here for some advice (she knows).

I am currently fully complying with the CSA as they have contacted me wrt a child I recently found out I have with an ex from many years back. I have provided them with all the information, pay slips etc that they have asked for.

I was waiting for a response from them regarding the amount they will want as maintenance when my employer called me in for a meeting telling me they have since been asked for full details of a further 2 months worth which includes a one off payment following a training event I had to organise and carry out so I assume this will up the amount I should be paying.

I am fully aware that I am obliged to make the maintenance payments and I will support this child as I am the father. The question here is are the CSA legally allowed to approach my employer and request sensitive data such as my full salaried history with the company as well as raising the issue that makes it appear that I am attempting to dodge paying maintenance to my child?

The result of the letter has caused an atmosphere and made it awkward for me to carry out my job as I felt obliged to divulge the details of my private life in my professional occupation and I know although it is a matter that should be treated with confidentiality, it is highly likely that there will be quite a few members of HR who now know my personal issues and will likely think badly of me even though I have done nothing but assist the CSA and attempt to keep this matter private within my family.

Apologies for going off track with the personal aspects. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

How did the CSA know who your employer is?

I think it may be not the CSA but someone impersonating them. Find out whether it was a written request or done over the phone.

The CSA is allowed to approach your employer for information. Indeed, it is fairly normal for them to do so. This is one of the ways they confirm that you are telling the truth about your earnings. They can also get information from HMRC.

If anyone at your employer assumes that a request for information from the CSA implies that you are trying to dodge maintenance they don't understand the way the CSA works.

It's quite normal for the CSA to contact the employer direct if there are any payslips missing, or even, sometimes, if there aren't.

Your HR department will, if this is a reasonably big company, have dealt with the CSA on lots of previous occasions and I really wouldn't worry what they think of you. They (and the CSA) are just doing their job.

ask for advice here A fairer csa for all

Agree is fairly normal. I have opened several CSQ information requests at work. The employer HAS to provide the information.