Do you really want to know what your boss thinks of you? From October 24, you can legally access any hard copy files containing your employee records.

Digital records are certain to follow.

Great news for privacy activists but what impact will the second stage of the Data Protection Act have on the average person?

For the first time, all employees will have the right to see the hard copy files that make up their employee records.

Computerised systems set up after October 24, 1998 are already covered by the Act but the publicity surrounding the issue should prompt all employers to get their houses completely in order.

The issue of databases and digital records is certain to attract close scrutiny as the October deadline approaches.

It is far too easy for employers to document and store sensitive, or even dangerous, information on computers without recognising the potential of that information.

Employees who value their jobs will almost certainly give a certain amount of personal information to their employer if asked for it. That discreet information, combined with payroll records, would make a powerful tool if it were accessed by a marketing organisation.

Imagine if the telesales person trying to sell you double glazing, car insurance or children's software had details of your partner's name, children's names and ages, your income, driving licence number and a list of your past convictions. It is almost too horrible to consider.

Most companies are far too lax about computer security. Insecure and easily-bypassed password protection is often all that stands between an employee looking to make a fast buck and information that could make peoples' lives a misery for years to come.

A quick download on to a floppy disc could turn a handsome, if unethical, profit for an unscrupulous computer wiz.

So what can we do to make sure this does not happen?

The first thing is to find out what kind of employee data your company holds. Then find out how it is stored. Is it easy for other employees to access and could it be hacked from outside the company?

Employers have a moral and legal duty to safeguard their employees from harm. This includes protecting their employee's personal data from unauthorised eyes.

Employee records are a prime source of information.

In-depth records can tell thieves your hours of work and what kind of car you drive so they can be sure you are not at home when they call. Stalkers have also used company records to find out more about their target subject. Women living alone are easy to identify.

Make it clear to your employer they do have an obligation to keep your information safe. Employers are required by law to make sure that all employee information is secure at all times.

The Data Protection Act will help by highlighting some of the problems but worthwhile changes will only be made if people are made aware of their vulnerability.

If you find that your employee records are not as secure as you would like, then please do not be afraid to make a fuss.

You are the person who will suffer if your data is misused. Remember, if your bosses think enough of you, they will want to make sure you and your data are safe.