2. What is 'confidential data'.

Confidential data is any data that only a limited number of people have the moral or legal authority to access.

Typical personal data that should be kept private include :-

Privacy at work

• Employment history such as attendance and sickness days.
• Salary details.
• Personal appraisal records
• Tax information such as National Insurance number and tax codes.
• Bank account details.
• Disciplinary record (if any)
• Religion, union and political affiliations.

Privacy as a citizen

• Your personal records held by companies such as utility and credit card companies.
• Medical records.
• The information you place on to social media networks.
• Information given to you by friends and family in confidence.

Private Company and Government Data

In addition to personal information, there is an obligation to keep some commercial and government information confidential as well, such as:-

• Sensitive information such as contract details, sales information and client lists.
• Research and Development data.
• Financial information such as a forthcoming profit warning that will affect share price.
• Classified government data.