In May 2018 changes to data protection laws will be implemented across Europe. These changes will be known as the European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and will apply to all organisations handling the data of EU citizens.
Despite Brexit, the UK government has indicated that it will implement the GDPR which will apply from 25 May 2018. Even if the government decided not to implement these changes, companies dealing with data relating to EU citizens would still be required to comply because the GDPR will – subject to limited exceptions such as national security – affect not only organisations operating within the EU, but also to those outside the EU that offer goods and services to individuals within the EU.
How will changes to data protection laws affect businesses?
The GDPR will apply to businesss who are ‘controllers’ and ‘processors’. Controllers say how and why personal data is processed and proccessors act on the controller’s behalf. It will also apply to personal data held about employees. With this in mind HR managers and business owners must prepare now for its introduction.
For more information about the changes to data protection laws or GDPR, please contact our Employment Law & HR team on 0161 475 7676.
