In a message dated 15/11/04 18:47:48 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
> My mother used to work in debt recovery for a major catalogue. All
> telephone
> staff were issued with a pseudonym to provide to customers which could be
> used to identify them internally. This removed a large portion of risk with
> regard to the public using names to identify individuals. This was more than
> 20 years ago.
------------
Some banks still do this now. So do some public services where the identity
of the individual is withheld to protect them - planning enforcement, debt
recovery and benefits investigation spring to mind. Sometimes one name is used
by the whole department. When you call the person named in the letter or
telephone message they are "not available" but the reference number will identify
the source in most cases.
The system works, most of the time, and it can even be used on front-desk
staff identity badges in high-risk areas. If there is low or no risk there would
be no point in using this ploy, just include a term in the employee contract
explaining why you want staff to give their full name. If an individual has a
particular problem (being stalked, living in a refuge, etc) they can raise
the issue with management and be given a pseudonym for official purposes.
Ian B
Ian Buckland
Managing Director
Keep IT Legal Ltd
Please Note: The information given above does not replace or negate the need
for proper legal advice and/or representation. It is essential that you do not
rely upon any advice given without contacting your solicitor. If you need
further explanation of any points raised please contact Keep I.T. Legal Ltd at
the address below:
55 Curbar Curve
Inkersall, Chesterfield
Derbyshire S43 3HP
(Reg 3822335)
Tel: 01246 473999
Fax: 01246 470742
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.keepitlegal.co.uk
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