For Individuals Only

This website is designed for individual consumers to understand their rights and track their own SAR and FOI requests.

It is not intended for commercial use by organisations, companies, or professionals managing requests on behalf of others.

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SAR for Employment

Request your HR records and workplace data

Whether you're in a dispute, preparing for a tribunal, or just want to see what your employer holds about you – this guide explains how to request employment records under UK GDPR.

1 Month
Employer Deadline
HR Files
Emails, notes, discipline records
FREE
No fee (usually)
Tribunal Evidence
Can be used as proof

What Can You Request from Your Employer?

HR Records

Personnel file
Disciplinary records
Grievance documents
Sickness/absence records
Performance reviews

Communications

Work emails about you
Internal messages (Teams, Slack)
Meeting notes involving you
Notes from 1-2-1s

Pay & Benefits

Payroll records
Bonus calculations
Pension contributions

Other Data

CCTV footage
Access card logs
Training records

When Employees Use SARs

Disciplinary Hearings

Request all evidence your employer holds before a disciplinary meeting. Know what they have against you.

Employment Tribunals

Gather evidence for unfair dismissal, discrimination, or whistleblowing claims.

Bullying & Harassment

Access emails and notes about complaints or incidents involving you.

Important: Your employer cannot refuse just because you're in a dispute or tribunal. The right of access continues throughout employment and after you leave.

What Employers Might Withhold

Employers may redact or withhold certain information under data protection law

Third-party data Other employees' personal information
Legal privilege Solicitor advice about your case
Confidential references Given in confidence
Management planning Future restructuring plans

Important: They must tell you what they've withheld and explain why, citing the specific exemption they're relying on.

SAR Template for Employees

Dear [HR Manager / Data Protection Officer],

Subject Access Request – Employee Records

I am writing to request access to all personal data you hold about me as an employee, under my right of subject access (UK GDPR Article 15).

Please provide all personal data including but not limited to:

• My complete HR/personnel file
• All emails, messages, or correspondence about me
• Disciplinary and grievance records
• Performance reviews and appraisals
• Sickness and absence records
• Payroll and pension information
• Notes from meetings, 1-2-1s, or reviews involving me
• CCTV footage or access logs (if applicable)

Where any information is withheld, please state the specific exemption you are relying on.

My full name: [Your Name]
My employee ID (if known): [Optional]
My email address: [Your Email]

If you require proof of identity, please let me know.

Regards,
[Your Name]

Pro Tips for Employees

Do it before you leave – Once you've left, employers may be slower to respond. Request while still employed if possible.
Be specific about emails – Ask for "emails about me" rather than "all emails" – they may try to refuse if too broad.
No ID needed upfront – They already know who you are. Only provide ID if genuinely needed to verify.
Deadline is 1 month – From the day they receive it. Clock stops if they ask for ID or clarification.
Calculate Your Deadline