As home working becomes standard in the UK, GDPR compliance raises concerns.
- Research indicates 10% of remote workers doubt GDPR compliance.
- Two-thirds lack sufficient IT support from employers.
- Home devices pose security risks for work tasks.
- Non-compliance could lead to severe financial penalties for businesses.
In the shift towards remote working in the UK, a significant issue has emerged regarding GDPR compliance. Recent studies highlight that one in ten home-working Britons suspect their work practices are not aligned with GDPR regulations. This concern is exacerbated by 13% of these workers utilising personal devices for professional tasks, potentially jeopardising data security.
The challenge extends beyond legal compliance, touching on the essential need for support. Two-thirds of surveyed employees disclosed insufficient assistance from their employers in terms of IT resources. Furthermore, one in ten expressed reluctance to seek help, citing employers’ preoccupations with other business pressures.
James Tilbury, Managing Director at ILUX, underlined the importance of proactive management in data protection: “Whilst, as business owners, we may be busy, stressed and frankly trying to keep our heads above water, it is not a time to be complacent. Asking employees to work from home and then not providing the right computer systems and security measures is a recipe for disaster.”
The essence of GDPR is to ensure the security of personal data across the EU. Failure to comply not only risks severe financial penalties—reaching up to 4% of a company’s annual turnover—but could also damage business relationships.
Tilbury further advised that employees should restrict data activities to business-owned devices, which must be equipped with up-to-date security patches and protection software. He questioned the adequacy of planning for remote work, suggesting companies consult IT professionals to rectify potential GDPR shortcomings.
ILUX compiles this research to guide businesses on addressing these GDPR issues effectively. The imperative to be proactive in securing business operations against data threats is clear.
Navigating GDPR compliance in remote work environments requires diligent planning and robust IT support.
