.jpeg "Three Jobcentres in Wiltshire Hit by Data Breaches")
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that these centres were among 238 across the UK that experienced at least one data breach between November 2023 and January 2025.
Swindon Jobcentre was hit twice by separate incidents in 2024. Devizes and Salisbury each reported one case involving the breach of personal data.
It’s unclear how many people were affected, as the DWP did not share those details.
A data breach, as defined by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), involves the accidental or unlawful loss, sharing, or access to personal information. This could include names, addresses, job history, bank details, National Insurance numbers, or even medical records.
Jobseekers often have to provide sensitive personal data when using Jobcentre services, making such breaches a serious concern.
The figures were obtained by compensation experts Data Breach Claims UK through a Freedom of Information request. They revealed that nearly 400 data breaches took place across Jobcentres in 2024, with 369 confirmed incidents at 218 locations.
Bethan Hakesley, a specialist at Data Breach Claims UK, said:
“In today’s world, jobseekers already face enough challenges without having their personal data exposed. Even one data breach can cause serious stress or harm.”
She added that if someone suffers financial loss or emotional distress because of a data breach, they may be entitled to claim compensation.
There were also more than 250 incidents involving postal errors during the same period. These occur when letters containing personal information are sent to the wrong address.
Only one such postal error was reported in Wiltshire – at the Swindon Jobcentre.
In just the first three weeks of 2025, there were already 32 data breaches reported nationwide. If that trend continues, this year could see even more incidents than 2024.
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