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Firm 'sold workers' secret data' Firm 'sold workers' secret data'
(about 2 hours later)
The information watchdog has shut down a company which it says sold workers' confidential data, including union activities, to building firms.The information watchdog has shut down a company which it says sold workers' confidential data, including union activities, to building firms.
A raid on The Consulting Association in Droitwich, Worcs, revealed a serious breach of the Data Protection Act, the Information Commissioner's Office said.A raid on The Consulting Association in Droitwich, Worcs, revealed a serious breach of the Data Protection Act, the Information Commissioner's Office said.
Past and present customers included Taylor Woodrow, Laing O'Rourke and Balfour Beatty, the ICO added. The ICO said it ran a secret system for over 15 years which enabled employers to unlawfully vet job applicants.
Action is being considered against more than 40 firms who used the service.Action is being considered against more than 40 firms who used the service.
The Consulting Association's owner would also be prosecuted, it added. Past and present customers included Taylor Woodrow, Laing O'Rourke and Balfour Beatty, the ICO added.
The Consulting Association's owner would also be prosecuted, it said.
'Trouble stirrer''Trouble stirrer'
According to the ICO, the company ran a secret system for over 15 years which enabled employers to unlawfully vet building workers applying for jobs.
Not only was the database held without the workers' consent, but the very existence of it was repeatedly denied. Trading people's personal details in this way is unlawful and we are determined to stamp out this type of activity David SmithDeputy Information CommissionerNot only was the database held without the workers' consent, but the very existence of it was repeatedly denied. Trading people's personal details in this way is unlawful and we are determined to stamp out this type of activity David SmithDeputy Information Commissioner
Following the raid on 23 February, investigators discovered that The Consulting Association's database contained the details of some 3,213 workers, the ICO said.Following the raid on 23 February, investigators discovered that The Consulting Association's database contained the details of some 3,213 workers, the ICO said.
Data included information concerning personal relationships, trade union activity and employment history, it added.Data included information concerning personal relationships, trade union activity and employment history, it added.
Comments included "lazy and a trouble stirrer", "Ex shop steward. Definite problems. No Go" and "Communist Party".Comments included "lazy and a trouble stirrer", "Ex shop steward. Definite problems. No Go" and "Communist Party".
Employers paid £3,000 as an annual fee, and £2.20 for individual details, the ICO said.Employers paid £3,000 as an annual fee, and £2.20 for individual details, the ICO said.
Invoices to construction firms for up to £7,500 were also seized during the raid.Invoices to construction firms for up to £7,500 were also seized during the raid.
The ICO said it had served an Enforcement Notice ordering The Consulting Association's owner to stop using the system, and expected the company to cease trading by the end of the week.The ICO said it had served an Enforcement Notice ordering The Consulting Association's owner to stop using the system, and expected the company to cease trading by the end of the week.
It added that the owner had failed to notify the ICO as a data controller.It added that the owner had failed to notify the ICO as a data controller.
Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said the database was "an extensive operation involving household names in the construction industry".Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said the database was "an extensive operation involving household names in the construction industry".
He added: "Trading people's personal details in this way is unlawful and we are determined to stamp out this type of activity."He added: "Trading people's personal details in this way is unlawful and we are determined to stamp out this type of activity."