Employment law has been in the spotlight for much of 2012, with several changes aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and reducing red tape for businesses.

The trend looks set to continue into 2013, with the recent news that the Government will implement proposals first mooted at the Conservative party conference in October, that will allow employees to swap certain basic employment rights in exchange for shares in their company.

Question: Is it lawful for an employer (of over 1000 people) to publish the names and contact details (company phone and email addresses) of its employees without giving the employees the option of opting out?

Discussion: It is completely unlawful, under the Data Protection Act 1998. The details you mention are "personal data". Companies have a strict duty to keep safe (secret) personal data. You can apply for an injunction to stop this company and demand compensation.