A4e has written to clients in Hull and Leicester informing them that data held about them has been stolen.

The data did not contain any banking or credit information and A4e is advised that the risk of illegal use is low.

The data was held on personal computer equipment of an A4e employee stolen in what police believe was an opportunistic domestic burglary. It contained names, postcodes, dates of birth and any possible awards made by a court.

The data relates to customers of two Community Legal Advice Centres (CLACs) operated by A4e in Hull and Leicester. A4e has established a free-of-charge helpline on 0808 156 6460 for the 24,000 people potentially affected.

A4e is examining how its data security procedures were breached, to ensure such an incident does not occur again.

The Information Commissioner has been informed and the police investigation into the burglary is continuing.

Bob Martin, Group Chief Executive of A4e, said:

“We sincerely apologise to all those affected by this incident.  It should not have happened.  While we are advised that the risk to clients is low we are taking every precaution to ensure their interests are protected.”

If you are a customer concerned about the incident, please call our free-of-charge helpline on 0808 156 6460

For media enquiries, please call Abigail Townsend on 020 7467 9236 or email her on press@apexcommunications.com.
 
Notes

• A4e delivers public services across a range of sectors, including employment and welfare, training and education and debt and legal advice.

• A4e has sent letters to 24,269 clients of both Hull and Leicester CLACs.

• A4e operates two CLACs on behalf of the Legal Services Commission (LSC) in partnership with Hull City Council and Leicester City Council respectively.

• The burglary took place on Saturday 19 June.