Personal details leaked in 'unacceptable' mistake

Personal information including names, phone numbers and case reference numbers of vulnerable people in Plymouth have accidently been sent out in a mass e-mail.

Public service provider Action for Employment (A4e) sent an e-mail on July 19 with an attachment containing information about Plymouth users of Independent Living Services (ILS) to 157 recipients.

A4e is a national organisation to bring people on welfare into work which was subject to an investigation for fraud by Thames Valley Police earlier this year resulting in 11 arrests.

The vulnerable people who receive Adult Social Care include people with both learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

A4e has said that no banking or credit card information was in the attachment but advises those whose personal details where included: “to be vigilant for any irregular activity, specifically around allowances, benefits, bank accounts, loan and credit cards, or any unsolicited communications you receive.”

"If you do spot irregular activity you should inform the police immediately."

Cllr Sue McDonald, cabinet member for public health and adult social care said: "This situation is completely unacceptable.

"Adult social care staff have stepped in to ensure that A4e takes action so this doesn't happen again.

"They will be monitoring the company over the coming weeks.

"A4e are offering a helpline for anyone concerned about their personal information and our contact centre staff are also ready to help anyone who calls the council."

A spokesperson for A4e said: "We take data protection, security and the confidentiality of personal data extremely seriously.

"We have a number of stringent policies and procedures in place relating to data protection, all of which are designed to protect data and ensure that it is shared appropriately and in accordance with data protection rules.

"We are aware, however, that in the course of informing a group of clients about the support available to them through the Independent Living Service (ILS) in Plymouth, an e-mail was sent outwhich accidentally included an attachment that contained some information about them and other ILS clients in Plymouth.

"A4e deeply regrets this incident and we offer our sincerest apologies to those affected.

"We have written to all clients affected by this incident to tell them what happened, to apologise to them for this mistake, and to offer them advice on what steps to take to guard against possible misuse of the data.

"This is not a case of fraud or malicious activity, but of genuine human error.

"We are also working with Plymouth City Council to thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to this incident and are continuing to work to ensure all appropriate measures are taken to reassess the controls applied to protect personal information.

"We are doing everything possible to support the customers who were affected, including setting up a helpline.

"ILS Plymouth clients who need further information may call us on a free phone number 0800 345666."