Once an employee has left the organisation, how long does an employer need to keep that previous employees information on file?

Employee files should be retained for the duration of the contract of employment and for a period of 7 years post-termination thereafter. While the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007 provide that a claim for unfair dismissal must be taken within 6 months of dismissal (or 12 months in exceptional circumstances), employers may be required to defend a breach of contract claim, which may be brought up to 6 years after the occurrence of the breach of contract.

Given that a plenary summons can be issued 12 months before being served, employee files should be retained for a minimum of 7 years after termination of employment. Where necessary, certain information could be retained indefinitely, for