Staff Overtime Details Revealed

[fredh]

Recently the local works union requested from management a list of all overtime worked by staff (union and non union members) for the previous 6 months.

the local union was provided with a total figure for each month, not a breakdown of an individuals overtime hours.
The union then requested the information be provided showing how many hours each member of staff had completed (with the name of the staff member).

Our top manager was adviced by his 'underlings' that this could breach the Data Protection Act as this was information held on computer about how many hours overtime, and therefore overtime pay, named members had taken during the 6 month period. The top manager agreed to provide this information to the union as requested.

I am sure that the employer has breached the Act. Obviously the action cannot be undone.

Has the employer breached the Act?
What is the best way to lodge a complaint to employers/ICO?
Could members involved seek compensation?

Thanks

[leclerc]

Re: Staff Overtime Details Revealed

I think it depends on whether the works union was provided with union members details. If that is the case then no. If however, non union members details were provided then I think you could argue that they were not working as your representative and therefore was a breach of the DPA.