Data protection Breach

Confusedmouse

I claim PIP. It's not something i like people to know because of the stigma attached.
I happen to work with someone who used to work for the DWP, he still speaks to ex colleagues and over the past year he has dropped various bits of information regarding my health problems into conversation, including almost direct quotes from my application form. There is no possible way he could know unless he had been told this information. To add - my issues aren't always obvious. Parts of my illnesses he has mentioned could not be known without either someone telling him or seeing the form. The things that are said are not nice, sarcastic often condescending and, well, it makes me feel worthless.
How do i go about finding out if my data has been accessed? This is destroying me.

[Deleted User]

I think a reallity check is in order here, why would your colleague know someone at the DWP who knows all about you? it seems a bit unlikely, and even if this was the case the DWP employee would know he would be risking his job if he passed on such info. 45 years ago when I joined the civil service I had to sign the official secrets act, even though I only worked there for three weeks I am still bound by it. And to be honest there is no stigma attatched to claiming PIP after all 4% of the population claim it.
If you are determined to follow this through then you would need to complain in writing to the DWP quoting names/dates/examples etc 

Confusedmouse

venison said:

I think a reallity check is in order here, why would your colleague know someone at the DWP who knows all about you? it seems a bit unlikely, and even if this was the case the DWP employee would know he would be risking his job if he passed on such info. 45 years ago when I joined the civil service I had to sign the official secrets act, even though I only worked there for three weeks I am still bound by it. And to be honest there is no stigma attatched to claiming PIP after all 4% of the population claim it.
If you are determined to follow this through then you would need to complain in writing to the DWP quoting names/dates/examples etc 

Thank you. The reality check is this: Unfortunately, this person i work with is well known for digging around to find information out about people in order to gain control. (A bit of a bully) they have previously received a warning for harassment against someone else. He has regularly been seen 'going for walks' outside other colleagues houses when they are off sick. So yes i am concerned they have asked their previous colleague to find out info and they have divulged it to them. Please bear in mind, although there shouldn't  be a stigma, there unfortunately is. Like i said this is destroying me emotionally as i feel like my disability is being used as a weapon.

Justiceforme

I suggest you report him, with the evidence the that you have, if he his disclosing information about you, then he could be investigated, this could lead to instant dismissal. DWP can check if individuals have been looking at claims on their systems.  They can check if a person has accessed your data because you need an individual password to get onto the system. 
Report this person and see what happens.

elsien

The person OP is complaining about doesn’t work for the DWP. Who are you suggesting they are reported to? 

Justiceforme

elsien said:

The person OP is complaining about doesn’t work for the DWP. Who are you suggesting they are reported to? 

I fully understand that the OP does not work for the DWP but they can make a complaint to their employer, plus report colleague to the DWP with any evidence or complaints.  DWP can check who has been working and viewing claims, if they find that data protection is breached, gross misconduct.  DWP can check if colleagues were previously known to each other.

[Deleted User]

Confusedmouse said:

venison said:

I think a reallity check is in order here, why would your colleague know someone at the DWP who knows all about you? it seems a bit unlikely, and even if this was the case the DWP employee would know he would be risking his job if he passed on such info. 45 years ago when I joined the civil service I had to sign the official secrets act, even though I only worked there for three weeks I am still bound by it. And to be honest there is no stigma attatched to claiming PIP after all 4% of the population claim it.
If you are determined to follow this through then you would need to complain in writing to the DWP quoting names/dates/examples etc 

Thank you. The reality check is this: Unfortunately, this person i work with is well known for digging around to find information out about people in order to gain control. (A bit of a bully) they have previously received a warning for harassment against someone else. He has regularly been seen 'going for walks' outside other colleagues houses when they are off sick. So yes i am concerned they have asked their previous colleague to find out info and they have divulged it to them. Please bear in mind, although there shouldn't  be a stigma, there unfortunately is. Like i said this is destroying me emotionally as i feel like my disability is being used as a weapon.

then he is a pratt and you should report him to your boss immediately ,making it clear that you see this as harrassment and that you fully intend to involve the DWP, I have claimed first DLA and now PIP for 20+years and have never ever felt that it was a stigma, in fact it is a right. Whatever you decide I hope you get it sorted.

50Twuncle

Confusedmouse said:

I claim PIP. It's not something i like people to know because of the stigma attached.
I happen to work with someone who used to work for the DWP, he still speaks to ex colleagues and over the past year he has dropped various bits of information regarding my health problems into conversation, including almost direct quotes from my application form. There is no possible way he could know unless he had been told this information. To add - my issues aren't always obvious. Parts of my illnesses he has mentioned could not be known without either someone telling him or seeing the form. The things that are said are not nice, sarcastic often condescending and, well, it makes me feel worthless.
How do i go about finding out if my data has been accessed? This is destroying me.

If this person used to work for DWP - How would they have known about you - in the past (before joining your present employer) -

unless the whole of DWP is "rogue" ?

I suggest that you stop and think before making an official complaint...

poppy12345

chinachin said:

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Pardon?

elsien

Spammer building up their post count. 

born_again

elsien said:

Spammer building up their post count. 

Now gone