HR confidentiality

jezzer

We have no HR manager where I work, she left months ago and was never replaced, just today a non exec director came into the building and tried to get into the hr files, he couldnt find the key so he said he would break it open, surely this is illegal? he would have been instructed to do so by the owner who lives in the US but still surely this is illegal practice? I dont know whether to say something or not..

Avatar MIA

jezzer wrote: »

We have no HR manager where I work, she left months ago and was never replaced, just today a non exec director came into the building and tried to get into the hr files, he couldnt find the key so he said he would break it open, surely this is illegal? he would have been instructed to do so by the owner who lives in the US but still surely this is illegal practice? I dont know whether to say something or not..

Strange that a non-exec director would get involved. But, he is still a director of the company.

If he was instructed by the owner then he is empowered. There's no legal protection for 'HR manager', and effectively the non-exec director became the HR manager if directed to access the files.

What did you expect the company to do, spend a month hiring a HR manager before accessing the information?

Sapphire

HR files are business property just like all the emails you send or texts you might send through the company communications software or phones.

He's a non-exec director of the company directed by the owner of the company to obtain and secure confidential employee information. It may well be that the former HR person still has the cabinet key and access to the building so your management are right to ensure that nobody but the right people can access the files.

jezzer

Unfortunately the reason he wants the files is because they are going to close the irish office due to litigation they are about to loose so i am guessing they need to see what notice period they are required to give people, but surely breaking into the files is not above board?

livedadream

jezzer wrote: »

We have no HR manager where I work, she left months ago and was never replaced, just today a non exec director came into the building and tried to get into the hr files, he couldnt find the key so he said he would break it open, surely this is illegal? he would have been instructed to do so by the owner who lives in the US but still surely this is illegal practice? I dont know whether to say something or not..

why do you care?

HR are not the secret keepers of an organisation.

I agree with the other poster that a non exec director is odd but if the owner is away then why not. As long it is someone in a position of responsibility or seniority then whats the problem?

would you have preferred Mary who sits next to you to be cracking them open and having a gawk?

just saw your next post, their are accessing their files to run their business effectively, if they cant find the key then breaking it open is an option. its their filing cabinet in their office building, theres not giant conspiracy going on here..

Avatar MIA

jezzer wrote: »

Unfortunately the reason he wants the files is because they are going to close the irish office due to litigation they are about to loose so i am guessing they need to see what notice period they are required to give people, but surely breaking into the files is not above board?

Sorry to hear that.

But while he is physically breaking into the filing cabinet, he is not breaking in the legal term describing unauthorised entry.

gordongekko

Avatar MIA wrote: »

Sorry to hear that.

But while he is physically breaking into the filing cabinet, he is not breaking in the legal term describing unauthorised entry.

If the keys are lost how else do you want him to open it.

Mrs OBumble

Avatar MIA wrote: »

Sorry to hear that.

But while he is physically breaking into the filing cabinet, he is not breaking in the legal term describing unauthorised entry.

Only if the entry was unauthorised.

But if he's been told to go and look at the files, then it's his job to do so, no matter what it takes.

No different that their HR or any other files, they're all company property.

jezzer

Admin can you close this thread please some helpful replies here but some fools i couldnt be bothered with

just so you close the thread here are some rude words boobs tits ass

FizzleSticks

This post has been deleted.

Adventagious

jezzer wrote: »

Admin can you close this thread please some helpful replies here but some fools i couldnt be bothered with

just so you close the thread here are some rude words boobs tits ass

Seems like you got a load of rational responses and you just didn't like what you were hearing.

Sorry to hear your office might be closing but this is a non-issue.

Nody

Mod:
No.

Avatar MIA

gordongekko wrote: »

If the keys are lost how else do you want him to open it.

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Only if the entry was unauthorised.

But if he's been told to go and look at the files, then it's his job to do so, no matter what it takes.

No different that their HR or any other files, they're all company property.

Er, were this meant to be addressed to me?

gordongekko

Avatar MIA wrote: »

Er, were this meant to be addressed to me?

Nope sorry

Speedwell

(unsuccessfully resists the childish impulse to ask jezzer if those are the best rude words they can come up with)