employment law - computer files?

[bertie]

Hi

i was sacked for suffering from work related stress and clinical depression and am in the process of taking my employer to tribunal. However, they refused to let me back in the building to clear my desk and although a colleague packed my desk they will not let me have my computer files.

I had built up a significant knowledge base (many of the documents will be difficult if not impossible to replace). Do I have any legal rights to this information if so can anyone point me in the direction of the relevant law.

thanks

[Lela A]

Seek out a lawyer..one should be able to address your concerns about computer files.

[taznbash]

If the files were on your own laptop that was in the building i think you would have a legal right but if the files are on their company owned pc think you would have a hard time getting them back you could ask legally about this and bring it up at the tribunal. But i think the company might not allow them back due to data protection. ie; if clients details stored on the same pc they may not allow copy of files. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Minnie ?•*¨*•?•*¨*•?]

I think you might find that if you create files at work whilst in the company's employment - then they are the property of the company.

Any personal files should not have been on a company computer. If by any chance they were on there then send a letter respectfully asking for them to be emailed to you.

It is common practice for sacked employees to not be allowed back onto the premises and most certainly not be allowed access to computers and computer files.

It would be against the law to sack you for "suffering from work related stress and clinical depression" as you have said.

Please do be careful that you are not just causing yourself more stress - your health comes first.