January 30, 2015

Law firm emphasises the importance of confidential information

The firm has emphasised the importance of dealing with the issue in employees’ contracts and ensuring that members-of-staff abide by the terms agreed.

Companies are also advised to be aware of the risks of hiring someone who is offering information that may be in breach of such an agreement and could see their new employer embroiled in legal action.

Kevin James, a partner in Royds employment team, said that firms who did not pay due attention to the importance of confidential information could find themselves getting into difficulties further down the line.

“This is something that affects companies of all sizes and yet it is easy to overlook, so it is important that businesses check that they have all possible safeguards in place,” said Kevin.

“A common problem is that someone might start in a very junior position at a company, climbing the ladder over a period of time and ending up in a senior role, having never signed an agreement.

“This is why it is so important that the issue of confidential information is dealt with in very clear terms in the employee’s contract. And the company should continue to monitor the situation to make sure that staff are adhering to this.”

On the dangers of taking on a member-of-staff who is in breach of a contract, Kevin said: “This is something that businesses definitely need to bear in mind.

“Before you get carried away about the thought of taking on a high-flyer, there is a real danger if they are providing information that doesn’t belong to them and you become party to that.”

For more information on our Employment Law services, please contact our specialist Employment & HR team.

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