compensation for the data breach

Claiming Compensation for the Data Breach: Southend-on-Sea City Council

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Claiming Compensation for the Data Breach: Southend-on-Sea City Council

The Data Leak Lawyers is dedicated to helping victims claim compensation for the data breach and secure justice.

In 2023, the Southend-on-Sea City Council experienced a significant data breach that exposed sensitive personal information of over 2,000 individuals, including current and former staff, councillors, and others associated with the council. This incident, caused by human error in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, left names, addresses, National Insurance numbers, and special category data vulnerable.

This article outlines the breach, your rights, and how to pursue a claim with our expert team.

Understanding the Southend-on-Sea Data Breach

The Southend-on-Sea City Council data breach occurred in May 2023 when a spreadsheet containing sensitive personal data was inadvertently uploaded online in response to an FOI request. Initially believed to contain anonymised job role data, the spreadsheet was later found to include personal and special category data of 1,854 current staff, 276 former employees, and 169 others, including councillors and office holders

The data remained accessible until October 27, 2023, raising risks of identity theft, financial fraud, and emotional distress. The council self-reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which can then issue a reprimand for inadequate data checks.

Victims can be entitled to seek compensation for the data breach due to the council’s failure to protect their information under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Your Right to Compensation for the Data Breach

As a victim of the Southend-on-Sea City Council data breach, you may have the legal right to claim compensation for the data breach for both material and non-material damages. Material damages could include financial losses, such as those from identity theft or unauthorised transactions, while non-material damages cover emotional distress, anxiety, or loss of privacy caused by the breach.

The Data Leak Lawyers specialises in data breach claims, offering expert guidance to maximise your payout. Our no-win, no-fee representation ensures you can pursue justice without worries, focusing on the harm caused by the council’s negligence in handling sensitive data.

Choose The Data Leak Lawyers for Your Claim

The Data Leak Lawyers has a proven track record of securing compensation for data breaches in high-profile cases, including group actions. Our dedicated team is currently leading a group action for victims of the Southend-on-Sea data breach, uniting claimants to strengthen their case and hold the council accountable.

With our expertise in UK data protection laws, personalised support, and commitment to no-win, no-fee claims, we aim to ensure that every client receives the highest possible compensation for their losses and distress. We can handle all aspects of the claim process, from evidence collection to negotiating settlements, so you can focus on recovery.

Start Your Compensation Claim Today

If you were affected by the Southend-on-Sea City Council data breach in 2023, do not delay in seeking the compensation you deserve. The Data Leak Lawyers is here to fight for your rights with our no-win, no-fee service.

Claim with our expert team today to start your case and join our group action for justice.

Call us free on 0800 634 7575 or visit our website to submit your details and take the first step toward securing your compensation.

Act now to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable.

Start Your Claim

You can call our claims team free from a landline or mobile on 0800 634 7575 or click on the link below to start your claim online today.
Find Out If You Can Claim Now
Please retain a copy of the notification as proof of receipt.

Unfortunately we cannot take your claim forward at this time.

If you believe you have been affected, please:

  1. Check your spam/junk folder for the email; or
  2. Call Southend-on-Sea City Council on 01702 215 000; or
  3. Make a Subject Access Request.

To verify whether or not you have been affected!

Your privacy is extremely important to us.
Information on how we handle your data is in our Privacy Policy

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