It's allowed
You don't have to give a reason, and wanting information for a dispute doesn't make a request invalid. Your employer still has to answer within the normal deadline.
Don't wait for the reply
Claim deadlines don't pause
Most employment tribunal claims must be started within three months less one day of what happened, and you have to contact Acas for early conciliation first. A subject access request does not pause that deadline.
What may be held back
- Communications between your employer and its lawyers are covered by legal privilege and don't have to be disclosed.
- Records of your employer's intentions in negotiations with you, such as settlement talks, can be held back while sharing them would harm those negotiations.
- Other people's details, unless they agree or it's reasonable to share them.
A request isn't the same as disclosure
If your case goes to an employment tribunal, there's a separate process for getting relevant documents, including ones that aren't your personal data. Your data request doesn't replace it.
Get advice
Disputes have deadlines and rules that a template can't cover. Speak to Acas, your union or a solicitor.
What to put in your request
- Emails and messages about you during the dispute
- Notes of meetings about you
- Your HR file
- Any reports or investigations about you
Related guides
Sources: UK GDPR Article 15; Data Protection Act 2018, Schedule 2; Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures; ICO guidance on the right of access. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. General information about UK data protection law, not legal advice. If you're in a dispute with your employer, speak to a solicitor, your union or Acas.