A workplace data breach occurs when an employer fails to properly protect employee personal data, resulting in unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse. This can involve sensitive details such as:

• Personal identification data – Name, address, date of birth, PPS number.
• Bank details – Salary, tax records, payment information.
• Employment records – Contracts, performance reviews, disciplinary records.
• Health & medical information – Occupational health records, sick leave data.
• Sensitive personal data – Religious beliefs, trade union membership, or criminal records.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Irish data protection laws, employers must safeguard employee information. If they fail to do so, you may have grounds for a claim.

Common Causes of Workplace Data Breaches

✔ Unauthorised access – Employees or third parties accessing personal data without permission.
✔ Cyberattacks & hacking – Weak security measures leading to leaked employee information.
✔ Email & postal errors – Sending payslips or contracts to the wrong person.
✔ Lost or stolen files – Misplaced or stolen employee records, whether digital or paper-based.
✔ Sharing data without consent – Disclosing personal information to unauthorised parties.
✔ Failure to delete data – Retaining employee records longer than legally required.

How Can a Workplace Data Breach Affect You?

A breach of workplace data can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Identity theft & fraud – If your personal information is misused.
• Financial loss – If banking details are leaked and exploited.
• Emotional distress – Anxiety, stress, or embarrassment due to privacy violations.
• Workplace discrimination – If sensitive records (e.g., medical data) are exposed.
• Reputational damage – If private employment records are made public.

Do You Have a Valid Workplace Data Breach Claim?

To make a successful claim, our solicitors will help prove that:

✔ Your employer failed to protect your personal data.
✔ The data breach caused emotional distress, financial loss, or reputational harm.
✔ The breach occurred due to negligence or weak data security practices.

If you believe your workplace data has been mishandled, seeking legal advice promptly is essential.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

A workplace data breach claim may include compensation for:

• Emotional distress – Anxiety, stress, and mental suffering.
• Financial losses – If the breach led to fraud or unauthorised transactions.
• Loss of privacy – If sensitive personal data was shared unlawfully.
• Career impact – If the breach affected your employment status or reputation.

Time Limits for Workplace Data Breach Claims

In Ireland, you generally have six years to file a claim for a workplace data breach. However, acting quickly strengthens your case and improves the chances of securing compensation.

Why Choose Our Solicitors for Workplace Data Breach Claims?

✔ Experts in employment law and GDPR regulations.
✔ Specialists in workplace data protection breaches.
✔ Proven success in securing compensation for affected employees.
✔ Confidential and professional legal support.

Contact Our Solicitors for a Workplace Data Breach Claim

If your employer has mishandled your personal data, our solicitors can help.

Contact us today for expert legal guidance and start your claim.