You are in > manchester.com  > News > Prison staff data lost

Politics

Prison staff data lost

07/09/2008

The details of up to 5,000 prison staff have been lost in the latest data breach for the Home Office.

Justice secretary Jack Straw has launched an inquiry into the loss of the hard drive, which happened in July 2007 and only came to light when the News of the World obtained a letter.

He is also thought to have demanded why he was not told of the mistake at the time.

Initially it was thought the drive contained the names, dates of birth, national insurance numbers and Prison Service employee numbers of 5,000 prison officers – but some of those affected were also administrative staff.

In a statement, Mr Straw said: "I am extremely concerned about this missing data. I was informed of its loss at lunchtime on Saturday and have ordered an urgent inquiry into the circumstances and the implications of the data loss and the level of risk involved.

"I have also asked for a report as to why I was not informed as soon as my department became aware of this issue. My officials are also in touch with EDS as part of these processes. We take these matters extremely seriously."

National chairman of The Prison Officers' Association, Colin Moses, told the BBC: "It is a breach that we believe could ultimately cost the taxpayer millions and millions of pounds, because, if the information lost is personal and sensitive, it may well mean staff having to move prisons, move homes and relocate their families."