The first transitional period for the Data Protection Act (1998) ended yesterday and the second starts this morning - with huge implications for all UK businesses. From today (Wednesday 24 October), any company in the UK will basically have to hand over whatever personal data they possess on someone - whether electronically or on paper - for a fee of no more than £10 and within 40 days. If they fail to do so, they could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Most at risk of logistical nightmares are small companies, employment agencies and estate agents. Small companies in particular are concerned that they will have to hire someone full-time just to hand over information - a big drain on resources.
