Hi,
I work in two different roles in different departments for the same employer. Can the employer disclose my information to managers of those departments about the other role where I don't work for them.

My HR person says that as H&S issue they can disclose my employment information to other line managers even if they are not linked to my role.

Thanks for your advice.

I'm trying to figure out why you think one manager should not be aware of what you do for another manager. I can't imagine there is any rules on this except company policy.

Hi Scott,
Thanks for your immediate response... yes your question helps to explain the situation clearly.

One of my managers I work for, we don't get along very well as I don't submit to his/her authorities. I have raised work load issue with this manager for this role as I work a lot on this and yet they are dissatisfied despite all the team members and other associated colleagues in this role are extremely satisfied and praise for my performance.

They are trying to tie the work load issue due to the other role. However, the roles don't overlap and it's not even a identical role.. they are completely different roles. I don't see why the manager from one role should know my working hours for the other role (as a matter of principle and confidentiality, no overlaps in the hours) and to protect them quoting that I am stressed from the other role. When in fact it's their work that causes me to stress...

They asked me about working hours for the other role and I refused to share the information and requested for HR not to share this info without my consent.

Hope its clear..

Cheers,

I can understand why you might want to keep them separate, but this is up to your employer not you. If the employer thinks its is OK then it is OK. If HR decides to comply with your request, then they will be kept separate. There are no laws that govern this.

Thanks Scott, that's helpful to know. My concern is that the roles aren't connected and have separate contracts and therefore should be considered as independent. If there are any performance issues then its fine for HR to enquire about the roles rather than the individual managers having the privilege for such information. If I was employed in two roles by different employers they will not have the right to breach the confidentiality and this should also be applicable within the different divisions.
But if there are no laws then I presume I cannot hold HR for breaching the confidentiality and sharing this info with those unconnected to my role??

If you are under contract, then have this written into your contract. Then you would have a breach of contract issue.

Does not matter, you will normally have one file in the company but yes there is no law to stop them from having lunch and talking all about you if they want. In fact the company management may want them to, esp if one is having a problem.

Thanks Scott, Chuck for your helpful advice/comments.

Sure, I don't care what they talk about me informally as long as they bring that information to me and state to me that I am working so and so hours in the other work which therefore impacts this work. In which case, I want to be able to ask them how they got this information and why they would think so? (unless the roles does clash and does impact my work! )

I don't want them to use my information which I didn't want to divulge to them in the first place to be used against me (unless its true!)

Thanks Scott, will definitely ask for this to be included in my contract from now on.

Cheers