I didn't expect to see this thread get much more action! But I will just reply to some specific points, some that I have already mentioned.
Someone mentioned at the start that basically unless this mistake cost you money, or a job, you will likely get little more than a formal apology and/or a few quid, sadly.
There is no real evidence that the info has actually leaked into the public domain, regardless of it going further than you would have wished. That is when you probably had a case.
Why is there no real evidence that this is in the public domain? I have already received an apology letter admitting that this information was passed on. You also say when I had a case, in case you didn't realise or missed a few points I have already said, they have already been to the Information Commissioner themselves who have told them it's a clear breach of Data Protection. They are now investigating this even further.
What I don't get is that this seems to be have been going on for weeks/months and Aaron still doesn't know what outcome he would like. To help him he's asked for advice on here but doesn't appear to be taking any of it particularly the part about going to CAB who should be able to help him determine what realistic outcome he can hope to achieve but he can't find the time to do so.
Good luck btw
You are completely right, I still don't know what I want and from what I will say later in the post, you may understand why. Having spoke with others about this, it's also clear that the individual in question may lose his job. Do I want that? Probably not. But this is more than a disclosure, the information is completely private and also it's something that I want to keep private too, which makes my blood boil even more.
If someone made a 'terrible' disclosure about me I'd be absolutely fuming and would make sure that something was done about it.
My thoughts on this whole thread are that the disclosure in question really wasn't that 'terrible' and that the OP is just wondering if he might be able to get a few bob out of it. I may well be wrong but the fact he hasn't spoken to a solicitor and can't be arsed to go to CAB suggests I'm right.
If it really is 'terrible' then ffs just go and speak to a solicitor!! Actually in my experience you're better off speaking to 3 or 4 solicitors to see if they all give the same advice. You won't get charged for an initial consultation so just do it. Book in to see 3 solicitors all on the same day and just see what they have to say.
If you just want to try to win a few quid then speak to a no win no fee solicitor. If you want some other form of remedy then speak to a few solicitors and find out if you have a case worth pursuing.
Don't be over confident about the opposition having to foot your bill by the way. Even if you win they can still appeal against costs especially if they tried to settle out of court but you just carried on regardless. If they offer you £5k and you don't take it then run up £20k of costs to eventually win yourself the £5k they offered in the first place don't automatically expect that you'll get your £20k back.
Hi - I don't think anyone is really in a position to judge whether this is a terrible disclosure, everyone's personal circumstances are different and I suppose we are all a bit more sensitive or less sensitive than others. However you only have to have the medical condition I have to understand why you don't want people to know, it's not Diabetes or something like that. I can't think of a specific example to reference too, but if someone for some reason discloses your medical details, you would only want an apology? It's not a mistake that is an everyday mistake, it's common sense that dta like this is not for sharing. I think I have already mentioned that he has not only disclosed health issues I have, but also disclosed a disability I have. On first meeting with this man his words was "I have told the shop you have xxx".
People mention the money, but that's what hurts businesses and I am not sure what to expect from it, if anything at all. Again, repeating myself, in the level 1 complaints procedure I made certain suggestions to them that I was happy with, they didn't come back with anything sadly. I also add that at Level 1, they didn't see how serious this issue is. I take this to Level 2 and they've realised straight away what impact it can have on them. I also add I won't be making any financial gain from this, however now it is my not result for it to cost them.
But also away from the above points (which I appreciate), I just want to highlight these issues they/I am still having.
- The investigation concluded that this is completely wrong, they also add that since this complaint they have added consent forms. This point has made me so angry, they have only just introduced consent forms? Consent forms so that they can pass on information? How many other people's personal information has been passed on?
- They have requested me to sign a consent form so they can carry out a full and detailed investigation (Schedule 3 of DPA)
- I have since realised that is likely that my disability has been disclosed, he hasn't apologised for this, he hasn't realised that he has done it.
- His apology letter was rather discriminatory too.
- I am in contact with charities regarding this, they are currently trying to find what they believe would be the best firm.
I am not sure if I have mentioned this at some point during this thread, but the business is also a business that operates in the public interest. It's not a sandwich shop in the middle of town!
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