During the COVID-19 pandemic, data privacy – and, in particular, employee data privacy – has been at the forefront of employers’ minds. In the last six months, employers across the globe have been required to give careful thought to a whole host of potential issues, from contact tracing apps to temperature and other health checks in the workplace, as well as processing an increasing volume of health data of its staff. Whilst not COVID-19 related, a recent decision from the Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Germany (the “Commissioner“) is an important reminder of the very significant financial and reputational sanctions an employer may face if it does not appropriately collect, retain and protect employee personal data in line with GDPR.
For more information about the topics raised in this Legal Update, please contact Oliver Yaros on +44 20 3130 3698, Miriam Bruce on +44 20 3130 3695, Francesca Ingham on +44 20 3130 3439, Vanessa Klesy on +49 69 7941 1283, or Ana Hadnes Bruder on +49 69 7941 1778.
Learn more about our Cybersecurity & Data Privacy and Employment & Benefits practices.