Morrisons has lost its landmark data breach appeal to the High Court and has said it would now appeal to the Supreme Court. If that appeal fails, thousands of Morrisons’ employees affected by the breach will be able to claim compensation. The case is the first data leak class action in the UK.

As Girlings’ Employment Law specialist Paul McAleavey explains, this case raises significant issues and concerns for employers:

‘This case shows how employers can end up being legally liable and footing the bill for rogue employees’ actions, even when the employer has already put in place sensible safeguards.

In the current environment, with the GDPR in effect and many members of the public having increased knowledge of their data rights, I expect we will see an increased number of class actions from individuals alleging their data has been misused and their rights infringed.

Employers would be wise to review their data and security policies as well as looking into insuring their businesses against this kind of risk.’

Paul and other members of the Girlings’ Employment Law department will be running a series of free Employment Law seminars to update employers and HR professionals on key Employment Law issues and legislation.

To book your place or for further details, please contact marketing@girlings.com