Bolton Workers to Sue Morrisons Over Data Leak

Twenty five current and former Morrisons staff in Bolton are pursuing a claim for damages after a massive data leak led to their personal details being posted on the internet.

Bank, salary and National Insurance details of almost 100,000 members of staff were sent to newspapers and data sharing websites in what is believed to be the biggest such leak in British corporate history.

In total, more than 5,000 employees are pursuing a claim for damages against Morrisons, having had their application for a Group Litigation Order approved by the High Court last November.

The action comes after former auditor Andrew Skelton leaked the data in March 2014. Skelton had developed a grudge against the company after previously being suspected of dealing controlled drugs at work. He was jailed for eight years in July last year.

Nick McAleenan, a data privacy lawyer, said:

"This information was leaked by someone employed at the time by Morrisons. We believe that the retailer could and should have done more to prevent our clients' details being circulated in this way."

A Morrisons spokesperson said:

"Morrisons is contesting this case because we are not accepting liability for the actions of a rogue individual. We can confirm that we are not aware of anybody suffering any financial loss from this breach."

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HSK Solicitors

Employment Law Specialists