Safeguarding your business' data
Data protection laws regulate the way in which organisations collect, store and use personal data. The rules can be complex, but businesses can’t afford to get them wrong. At Nelsons, our expert team of commercial solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham are able to data protection advice and can ensure the safeguarding of relevant data.
Most businesses hold information about staff, clients or customers. People whose information is being held are entitled to know what that information is, who is holding it and how it will be used. They can ask to see the information and to have any incorrect or misleading details corrected.
Where information is classed as ‘sensitive’, such as a person’s racial or religious status, the rules are stricter, only allowing organisations to use it where essential.
Where there are data protection breaches, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has the power to fine businesses up to €10,000,000 or two per cent of the total worldwide annual turnover in the preceding year – whichever is higher. Prison sentences can be imposed where there have been deliberate or negligent leaks of customer data. There can also be risks to reputation when a business has misused personal information.
Need advice? Contact us to find out how we can help
Read all about it! Click here to view our latest blogs
About our data protection solicitors
Our specialist team of solicitors work with businesses to put the best data protection systems in place. We carry out data protection audits and advise on training staff to comply with rules. Our team drafts detailed compliance policies setting out a business’ attitude to data protection and the steps that need to be taken to properly collect, store and safeguard relevant data.
Where data security has been breached, our solicitors liaise with the ICO on behalf of clients to help control and limit any negative effects on the organisation. They also work with public and private sector clients to deal with freedom of information requests and complaints to the ICO.
Testimonials…
Restrictive covenants
We can also assist with drafting restrictive covenants to protect your business’ data. Businesses entrust their staff with sensitive commercial information and while this is generally respected, problems may arise if an employee leaves the company to join a competitor or set up a similar business of their own.
A restrictive covenant could well be the disincentive they need to share your company’s data. These are clauses in employment contracts which restrict an employee’s ability to compete, use confidential information, or have certain dealings with a business’ clients or staff once they have left their job.
Our solicitors take care to draft restrictive covenants which are appropriate, reasonable and stand the best possible chance of being considered enforceable by a Court. With the right restrictive covenants in place, a business can be sure that it’s done all it can to prevent a former employee from breaching confidentiality. If the breach does happen, the business has a sound set of covenants to rely on in injunction proceedings or a damages claim.
For more information about our services for businesses, please contact our expert team of data protection solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham via our online form or call 0800 024 1976 for a guaranteed response.