GDPR & HR Data Retention: What UK SMEs Need to Know
By 
The principles that matter
- Lawful basis & purpose: know why you hold each item.
- Data minimisation: collect only what you need.
- Security & access: role-based access, audit trails, encryption.
- Retention: keep data only as long as necessary and documented.
- Subject rights: enable access, rectification, and deletion where appropriate.
Build a retention schedule
- List each record type, lawful basis and retention period.
- Review annually; document changes.
LuwaSuite tip
Control access by role, log views/changes, and export data cleanly if an employee requests it.
FAQ
Q: Can employees ask for all their data?
A: Yes—follow your SAR process and timelines.
Q: How do we delete safely?
A: Use a documented deletion workflow and verify backups policy.
