Data protection

The Data Protection (Jersey) Law 1987 requires employers who hold personal data on computers to register with the Data Protection Registrar. Computerised personal data must be available, so that, at reasonable intervals and expense, individuals can be informed about their personal data and, where appropriate, have it corrected or erased. 'Personal data' includes not just factual information but also opinions expressed about employees. However, any indication of intentions, such as an intention to promote, is outside the scope of the Law. The Law also exempts personal data held only for payroll purposes – e.g. for the calculation of pay and pensions. Other exemptions include data for salary surveys (provided the subjects cannot be identified) and tax collection.

The Data Protection Law 2004 replaces in its entirety the 1987 Law and widens both the definition of 'data' and the coverage of the Law’s protection. It also extends the rights of workers to have access to data held about them, to know for what purpose information is held and its relevance to their working life. Further information can be obtained from the Data Protection Registrar or from www.dataprotection.gov.je