Data Protection Query

[flip_flop]

Is the following grounds for a complaint to the Information Commissioner?

Me, my wife and kids are currently in private rented property while we search for a suitable house to buy following the sale of our last house.

The managing agent, obviously, required proof of salary to ensure the rent is affordable. The details, including email, of my MD were given to the managing agent to enable them to request proof of salary.

However, they emailed the 'info@' address, and as opposed to asking for salary details, they asked for confirmation that my salary was £...........

I am a director of the company and am now in the position that quite a large number of staff members know my salary. My MD is far from impressed.

I have received an email from the managing agent advising that this was a mistake and they should never have disclosed my salary.

So, does this constitute grounds for a complaint?

Incidentally, I haven't lost anything so I am not after any form of compensation, but I do feel their knuckles should be rapped by officialdom.

[rinkins]

http://www.ico.gov.uk.../data_protection.aspx

To be fair I am not sure they can do much more for you as the company have already apologised but even so it's worth having a look into. And it's an opportunity to check the Agent has all your personal data up to date and relevant and that they are using it for the purpose they require.

[Whickerman]

I would be fuming at this and I would in fact make a complaint . That's about as intimate a detail about your professional life as can be.

[boxtops]

I would be livid, it's certainly disclosure of personal data without your permission.

[AlBags]

Some companies individualise salaries with respect to age, service, experience, qualifications, etc.
Complain.