Has work broken data protection

[horseynewmum]

I've been waiting from work for 2 weeks (since paperwork sent) for confirmation for my mat leave and SMP. Anyway I received a letter from work today address to me but contained payslip and P46 of another employee. I'm now wondering if my stuff has been sent to the other employee which obviously like her stuff contains important confidentally information including address and NI number. Has work broken any data protection issues?

Hmmm, im not sure, probably, but im not sure if DPA covers genuine mistakes, which im sure this is, i really dont know

The two items will be sealed with names and (probably) payroll number on the front. I doubt it's a breach of anything unless they are opened by the wrong person. Just return it ASAP and HR should sort it out.

Yes they have. Local authorities have been fined tens of thousands for similar 'slip ups' involving confidential information being sent in an unsecured manner and then going astray. I work for the LA in Children's and Young People's Services and we're always being warned about our jobs being on the line if we don't conform to Caldicott guidelines!

Is it really a problem unless you don't actually receive your own? I once didn't receive my P60 at all...no idea what happened to it. But worse IMO, was when my sick record was sent to another (equal) member of staff. Now that is a breach of personal data.

This is a breach of the Data Protection Act and you could report it to the ICO who may fine your employer. However, you would only be entitled to compensation if the breach has caused you damage or distress.

I dont see how it can be a genuire mistake as envolupe is hand written but the 2 names and addresses are completely different. The other thing is I have had lots of issues with work since announcing my pregnancy and being signed of with pregnancy related sickness that has led to work trying to displince me so I'm concerned what else was in what should of been 'my envolupe'

Had another thought what if the other person who should of recieved my stuff doesn't return it. My work could say they sent all the forms out and its not their problem its got lost

Hand written by human...easily done then.