Breaches Of Confidence

Breaches of Confidence: What You Need to KnowIt's often hard to draw the line between telling your friends or family about the funny story that happened at work and what would be classed as breaching confidentiality.

The Key QuestionThe question you should ask yourself before you share information is: Will what I'm saying potentially harm my business or the client/customer in any way?

If the answer is yes, then keep it private. If not, go ahead and laugh about Steve who dropped tea over his keyboard.

Consequences of Breaching Confidence1. Contract Termination
The greatest consequence of breaching confidence is having your contract terminated. Most likely, if you breach confidence, your employer is within full rights to fire you immediately. The effects of the breach may not be apparent immediately, but may indeed have future consequences.

2. Financial Liability
You may have to pay damages – yes, your employer could press charges and yes, you will have to pay up if they win. This will probably be the case if your breach has caused immediate financial harm to your organisation or clients.

3. Criminal Charges
Another consequence, albeit slightly extreme but still plausible, could be criminal charges. This would be relevant if it has affected your employer's intellectual property, as this is counted as theft – and therefore a criminal offence.

How Breaches Can HappenOften these lapses can have really big consequences for companies. It's not just about sharing information verbally – it can also happen in cases where the person who breached confidence had no intention of doing so.

Common Breach Scenarios

• Email mistakes: Sending confidential information to wrong recipients
• Cyber attacks: Hackers gaining access to sensitive data
• Lost devices: Laptops, phones, or USB drives containing confidential information
• Social media posts: Accidentally sharing work-related information online
• Overheard conversations: Discussing confidential matters in public spaces

Prevention MeasuresThese types of breaches cost companies millions of pounds – and often they're easily prevented:

• Keep safety precautions in place: Anti-virus software and strong passwords
• User access and permissions: Ensure old employees no longer have access and their logins are deleted as soon as they leave
• Training: Regular confidentiality training for all staff
• Clear policies: Written guidelines on what can and cannot be shared
• Secure communications: Use encrypted emails and secure file sharing systems

Best Practices

• Think before you speak or share
• Use secure networks for work communications
• Lock your devices when not in use
• Report suspected breaches immediately
• Keep work and personal social media separate

Employment Law and Confidentiality SupportIf you need legal advice about confidentiality agreements, employment contracts, or data protection issues, don't hesitate to call our team on: 0116 2999 199 or alternatively you can email us at: info@d-w-s.co.uk