In principle the legislation only has direct effect upon the actions of public authorities. However this includes any organisation discharging a public function. Many community and voluntary sector organisations are likely to be caught by this Act if they are involved with contracts with the local council because the council as a public body is likely to be covered by the Act.

By accepting a contract of employment all employees consent to secure written records related to their employment being maintained by the employer. An employee may see her/his file on request.
Each employee's file shall be kept in a secure filing cabinet. Access shall be restricted to
personnel authorised to access the files for the purpose of managing the employee and the organisation. The information contained in the files can only be referred to in communication with a third party in the provision of an employment reference or pursuant to a court order.
The organisation shall retain the personal file of former employees for a period of three years after departure.

Further information on the Data Protection Act, can be obtain from:

The Data Protection Commission.Tel: 01625 545740.