# Construction companies breaching the Data Protection Act?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/03/07/construction-companies-breaching-data-protection-act/
- Published: 2009-03-07T10:24:59+00:00
- Author: Finbar Cullen

The Information Commissioner’s Office has uncovered a database containing details
on over 3,000 construction workers which was used by over 40 construction companies
to vet individuals for employment. The information included sensitive personal information(
e.g. construction workers’ personal relationships, trade union activity), as well
as people’s employment history. It would appear that some companies made thousands
of requests a year. The database was run by Ian Kerr, of the Consulting Association.

 

Deputy Information Commissioner, David Smith, said: “This is a serious breach of
the Data Protection Act.” How can the construction companies not be aware of this
offence? Surely they were complaining about data protection when the legislation
was in the pipeline, and set to end the discriminatory practices many of them had
been using for years.

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The Information Commissioner’s Office is considering what regulatory action to take
against construction firms who have been using the database.

 

A quick look through the list (available at www.ico.gov.uk) shows a number of companies
associated with wealthy individuals and their grant-making trusts. Some fundraisers
might need to take a closer look at the list, and their (potential) supporters, 
and while I doubt we are quite so cavalier in our attitude to the Data Protection
Act, I reckon we should all keep a look out for relevant training courses and resources.
Why not get an Institute of Fundraising Special Interest Group or regional/local
group, or similar organisation to help out?

 

All the best

 

 

Finbar Cullen

 

Research**Plus**

 

 * **[FRSB to tackle top public complaint issue with data management workshop](https://fundraising.co.uk/2010/09/20/frsb-tackle-top-public-complaint-issue-data-management-workshop/)**(
   20 September 2010)
 * **[The implications of changing EU Data regulations for UK charities](https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/03/06/implications-changing-eu-data-regulations-uk-charities/)**(
   6 March 2012)
 * **[New series of free Data Protection webinars announced](https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/09/12/new-series-free-data-protection-webinars-announced/)**(
   12 September 2012)