Employment Archives - Join the Claim

Class action launched against FIFA over unlawful player transfer rules

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:02:34 +0000

A new class action has been launched in the Netherlands against FIFA and several national football associations, potentially opening the door to compensation for up to 100,000 current and former professional players across Europe and the UK.

The case, brought by the Justice for Players Foundation (JfP), centres on FIFA’s long-standing rules on contract termination and player transfers – rules that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in October 2024 to be unlawful.

Why this matters for players

For over 20 years, FIFA’s regulations have tightly controlled how and when players can leave a club. This has included:

Forcing players to pay hefty “compensation” fees to former clubs

Allowing national associations to block transfers by withholding International Transfer Certificates

Making new clubs liable for old debts

Threatening sanctions for both players and clubs

The CJEU found these measures broke EU competition law and restricted the free movement of workers – fundamental rights that apply to footballers just as they do to any other profession.

According to economists, these rules meant players earned around 8% less over their careers than they otherwise would have. For many, with a professional career lasting just eight years on average, that’s a huge financial hit.

Who can join the claim?

The JfP is representing professional footballers – men and women – who have played for clubs in the EU or UK since 2002 and have been affected by these rules. The claim is fully funded by a legal finance provider, meaning players won’t have to pay to join.

If successful, the action could result in significant compensation for affected players, alongside changes to FIFA’s rules that give players more control over their careers. As JfP’s chair, Lucia Melcherts, puts it:

“In any other profession, people can change jobs freely. The same should be true in football.”

Think you might be eligible?

You can find out more about this claim at justiceforplayers.com

The post Class action launched against FIFA over unlawful player transfer rules appeared first on Join the Claim.

Never heard of PeopleCheck? You could still have a data breach claim

Deborah McCahery — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:09:53 +0000

When news of the PeopleCheck data breach broke, many people thought: “Who?” If you’ve never heard of them, you’re not alone. But here’s why you could still be affected – and why it matters.

Who are PeopleCheck?

PeopleCheck is a background screening provider. They check the personal information of job applicants on behalf of employers. This includes:

Identity verification

Employment history

Criminal record checks

Education verification

If you’ve applied for a job in the last year, especially for roles in financial services, tech, or professional sectors, there’s a chance PeopleCheck processed your data without you even realising.

How can my data be involved if I didn’t give it to PeopleCheck?

When you apply for a job, the employer often uses a third-party company to carry out screening. PeopleCheck is one of those companies. Your potential employer would have passed your details to them during the hiring process.

Why does this matter?

The hackers didn’t just steal basic information – they got:

Names, addresses, dates of birth

Phone numbers and email addresses

Social Security numbers, internal references

Invoice and payment records (relates mainly to employer transactions, not job applicants)

With this level of detail, the risk of identity fraud and scams is very real.

Can I claim compensation?

Yes, you can still claim even if you’ve never dealt with PeopleCheck directly. UK law allows you to hold any company handling your data accountable if it’s exposed due to poor security. If you applied for a role at a company using PeopleCheck between June 2024 and June 2025, you may have a case.

We’re monitoring the case closely. Think you may have been affected? Check your eligibility, register your interest, and we’ll let you know if a UK claim is launched.

The post Never heard of PeopleCheck? You could still have a data breach claim appeared first on Join the Claim.

The risks of the PeopleCheck data breach – and why you should stay vigilant

Deborah McCahery — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:06:45 +0000

The PeopleCheck data breach could have serious consequences for anyone whose details were exposed. Here’s what’s at stake and what you can do to protect yourself.

If your data has been exposed in this breach, you should receive a notification email/letter.

Why is this breach so serious?

The hackers stole more than just names and email addresses. Reports confirm the stolen data includes:

Full names and postal addresses

Phone numbers and dates of birth

Social Security numbers (assuming NI numbers in the UK)

Invoice and payment details (relates mainly to employer transactions, not job applicants)

This combination of personal data creates a perfect storm for identity theft and fraud.

What are the risks?

Identity theft – Criminals can use your personal information to apply for loans, credit cards, or benefits in your name.

Phishing scams – You might receive more convincing scam emails or calls pretending to be from trusted organisations.

Account takeovers – With login details and authentication tokens exposed, hackers can try to access your accounts.

Financial fraud – Payment and invoice data could be misused, leading to unauthorised transactions (although this is likely to impact clients of PeopleCheck, rather than those who used the service when applying for a job.

What should you do now?

Even if you haven’t noticed anything unusual yet, the danger can last for years after a breach. Take these steps to protect yourself:

Check your credit report regularly for unexpected activity.

Change your passwords, especially if you’ve used the same ones on multiple accounts.

Watch out for scams – avoid clicking on suspicious links or giving out personal details.

Consider signing up for credit monitoring services if offered.

Could you be owed compensation?

Yes. UK data protection law gives you the right to claim if your personal data was compromised and the company failed to safeguard it.

We’re monitoring the case closely. Think you may have been affected? Check your eligibility, register your interest, and we’ll let you know if a UK claim is launched.

The post The risks of the PeopleCheck data breach – and why you should stay vigilant appeared first on Join the Claim.

Can you join a UK claim after the PeopleCheck data breach?

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:43:50 +0000

The PeopleCheck data breach is making headlines after cybercriminals stole over 4.3 GB of sensitive data from the company’s systems. If you’re wondering whether you can join a UK claim, here’s what you need to know.

What happened in the PeopleCheck data breach?

PeopleCheck is a background screening company that verifies personal details for employers, such as identity checks, employment history, and criminal record searches.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, hackers gained unauthorised access to PeopleCheck’s systems, stealing personal information. This includes names, email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and even two-factor authentication tokens.

The hackers, known as the Everest ransomware group, threatened to leak this information on the dark web if their demands were not met.

Could this affect people in the UK?

Yes. PeopleCheck works with businesses across the world, including in the UK. One client, With Intelligence Ltd, has already confirmed its data was exposed. If you’ve applied for a job, been through recruitment, or had any screening linked to PeopleCheck during that period, your details could be at risk.

And here’s the thing. If you’ve applied for a job in the last year, especially for roles in financial services, tech, or professional sectors, there’s a chance PeopleCheck processed your data without you even realising.

Am I eligible to join a claim?

In the UK, if a company fails to protect your personal data, you could have a legal right to claim compensation under data protection laws. This includes breaches caused by cyberattacks where the company didn’t do enough to prevent unauthorised access.

You might be eligible if your personal information was handled by PeopleCheck between June 2024 and June 2025. If your data has been exposed, you should receive a notification email/letter.

A group claim in the UK is being explored. These claims allow multiple people affected by the same breach to join forces for a stronger case against the company responsible.

If you think you could be affected:

Gather any letters, emails, or notices about the breach.

Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

The post Can you join a UK claim after the PeopleCheck data breach? appeared first on Join the Claim.

MOVEit may be under threat again – here’s what you need to know

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:30:40 +0000

Back in 2023, MOVEit made headlines for all the wrong reasons. A serious security flaw in the managed file transfer tool left businesses – and millions of people – exposed. Now, signs suggest lightning could strike twice.

Cybersecurity researchers have picked up on a worrying pattern. There’s been a big rise in scans targeting MOVEit systems, and they claim that’s often a sign that hackers are preparing to strike.

A repeat performance?

GreyNoise, a trusted threat intelligence firm, has flagged a surge in scanning activity across the internet, all aimed at MOVEit servers. That’s exactly how many attacks begin, with criminals scouring the web for weak spots.

To put it into perspective, most days see fewer than 10 unique IP addresses checking MOVEit systems. But on 27 May, that number jumped to over 100. The next day? 319. Since then, it hasn’t dropped below 200.

These aren’t random pings, either. Over the past three months, more than 600 unique IPs have been linked to this scanning behaviour. Most are based in the US, but activity is also coming from Germany, Japan, Brazil, and the UK.

In short: they think that someone’s looking hard for a new vulnerability.

Why does this matter?

MOVEit is widely used by businesses to transfer sensitive data securely. Think customer records, financial details, internal reports – the sort of information you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.

That’s exactly what happened in 2023. A flaw in the software was quickly exploited by the Cl0p ransomware gang, a Russian-based operation that stole huge amounts of data from government agencies, healthcare providers, tech firms, and more.

The fallout was massive and costly. So when security researchers start waving the red flag again, it pays to listen.

What should businesses do?

If you use MOVEit or similar tools, don’t wait for an official alert. Make sure your software is up to date and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. It’s also worth reviewing your data-sharing processes. Are you transferring more than you need to? Are files encrypted? Who has access?

And if you’re unsure, speak to your IT team or a cybersecurity expert.

Why it’s relevant to consumers too

When companies get hit, it’s often their customers who suffer. If your bank, utility provider or healthcare company uses MOVEit, your personal details could be at risk.

As always, be cautious. Monitor your accounts. Be wary of phishing emails. And if you get a data breach notice, take it seriously.

We’re keeping watch

At Join the Claim, we monitor these developments closely. We help consumers understand if they’ve been affected by data breaches and – where appropriate – connect them with legal support to claim compensation. If another MOVEit breach does unfold, we’ll be ready to help.

In the meantime, if your data was compromised in the original MOVEit cyber attack, you may be entitled to compensation.

The post MOVEit may be under threat again – here’s what you need to know appeared first on Join the Claim.

Post Office scandal: ‘Disastrous’ impact laid bare in damning inquiry report

Inês Gomes — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:03:58 +0000

The first part of the final report from the Horizon IT Inquiry has landed, and it doesn’t pull its punches.

It confirms what campaigners and victims have been saying for years: the Post Office scandal wasn’t just a mistake. It was a devastating miscarriage of justice, caused by serious failings from both the Post Office and Fujitsu, with a human cost that is hard to comprehend.

Victims of a broken system

According to the report, over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted over a 15-year period, accused of theft, false accounting, and fraud based on faulty Horizon software. Many lost their homes, their health, their freedom. Some lost their lives. The inquiry described the impact as “disastrous”, and said victims were subjected to “wholly unacceptable behaviour” by both the Post Office and Fujitsu.

It’s a stark reminder that these weren’t faceless case files. These were real people, parents, neighbours, small business owners, whose lives were shattered.

The damage runs deep

The report goes further, documenting how many victims were ostracised by their communities. Some were driven to self-harm or alcohol misuse. At least 13 people took their own lives with at least another 59 who contemplated suicide. Others died before their names were cleared.

One former sub-postmistress, Seema Misra, was pregnant when she was wrongly jailed. She later gave birth while wearing an electronic tag. She told the BBC: “The actual culprits need to go behind bars.”

Her story is not unique. And while the Post Office has now issued another apology, many victims say those words feel empty without accountability.

A slow road to compensation

One of the biggest criticisms from the inquiry is how compensation has been handled – or mishandled. Victims have faced “formidable difficulties” getting redress, with the process described as slow, confusing, and in many cases, still incomplete. Some are still waiting. Others say the money doesn’t come close to making up for what they lost.

The government has promised a programme of restorative justice, and says it will consider redress for close family members. But the report makes clear: this process has been far too slow, and many are still being failed.

So, what happens next?

We’re still waiting for the part of the inquiry that will name names and apportion blame- that’s expected later this year. But already, it’s clear: the system failed. And not just once. Repeatedly. Across years. With catastrophic consequences.

At Join the Claim, we believe that justice isn’t just about compensation, it’s about truth, accountability, and change. The Horizon report is a crucial step in the right direction, but as campaigners have said today, justice still feels a long way off.

To every sub-postmaster and family affected: we see you. And we stand with you.

The post Post Office scandal: ‘Disastrous’ impact laid bare in damning inquiry report appeared first on Join the Claim.

Are you being paid fairly at work? We help you find out

Inês Gomes — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:09:56 +0000

Same job. Same shift. But different pay?

In workplaces across the UK, people doing similar jobs are being paid very differently. Sometimes it’s down to seniority or qualifications. But sometimes, it’s something more serious – and potentially unlawful.

That’s why we’ve created a new guide: Same store, same shift – less pay?

It’s written for workers like you – in supermarkets, retail, and beyond – who want to understand their rights and make sure they’re being paid fairly.

What’s inside the guide?

We break down:

What “fair pay for fair work” actually means
When unequal pay is unlawful under UK employment law
Why men can also make equal pay claims
How to spot unfair pay practices in your workplace
What rights you have as a worker
What steps to take if something doesn’t feel right
How group claims are helping workers get compensation
Real-world examples of people challenging unfair pay – and winning

Whether you’ve spotted a pay gap or just want to be better informed, this guide is here to help you take the next step.

Why this matters

Unequal pay sends the message that your work matters less. Over time, it can affect your finances, wellbeing, and job security. And in many cases, it’s also illegal.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re being underpaid compared to colleagues – especially in different departments or roles – this guide can help you make sense of it all, and take action if needed.

Alternatively, you can find out more about live equal pay claims you might be eligible to join on our website.

The post Are you being paid fairly at work? We help you find out appeared first on Join the Claim.

British Airways employee data breach: still time to claim in 2025

Inês Gomes — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:55:53 +0000

Back in June 2023, British Airways (BA) staff were told that their personal data had been exposed in a serious cyber-attack. Fast forward two years, and many affected employees still haven’t taken steps to claim the compensation they may be owed.

If you worked for BA and were paid through its UK or Irish payroll systems, your data could have been compromised in the breach, and it’s not too late to take action.

What happened in the British Airways employee data breach?

In mid-2023, BA confirmed that a third-party supplier, Zellis, had experienced a data breach. Zellis handled payroll services for BA and used a file transfer tool called MOVEit, which hackers exploited using a previously unknown vulnerability.

For BA employees, it meant highly sensitive payroll data was exposed to cybercriminals.

The breach didn’t just affect BA. Several large companies were caught up in it including Boots and the BBC.

What data was accessed?

If you were affected, the data taken could have included:

Your full name
Home address and work email
Date of birth
National Insurance number
Bank account number and sort code
Salary and reward details
Other job-related information

In short, the kind of data that fraudsters love to get their hands on.

Who was behind it?

The Russian ransomware group Clop (C10p) was linked to the attack. Around the time of the breach, Clop claimed to have accessed data from “hundreds of companies” using MOVEit and warned that they would start leaking data if ransom demands weren’t met. Some stolen data has since been posted online.

How did BA respond?

BA informed affected employees, notified the Information Commissioner’s Office and National Cyber Security Centre, and offered a free Experian credit and web monitoring service for 12 months. They also encouraged staff to watch for suspicious activity on bank accounts and update passwords where necessary.

All of that was a start, but if your personal data was exposed due to poor cybersecurity measures, you may be entitled to more than just monitoring.

Why you can still claim in 2025

Even though the breach happened two years ago, your right to claim hasn’t expired. UK data protection law allows you to bring a claim within a reasonable timeframe, and two years is well within that window.

Many people didn’t take action at the time. But if you were contacted by BA in 2023 and told your data had been compromised, there’s still a strong chance you can join an ongoing BA staff group action claim.

How to check if you’re eligible

We work with specialist lawyers investigating compensation claims for victims of data breaches.

Joining the claim is straightforward:

Check your eligibility – Complete a quick online form to see if you qualify.
Register your interest – If eligible, share a few more details.
Join the claim – We’ll connect you with a regulated UK law firm if and when your case is ready to proceed.

It only takes a few minutes – and you’re under no obligation to go ahead.

If you received a notification from BA about the breach and haven’t yet claimed, it’s worth taking a few minutes now.

The post British Airways employee data breach: still time to claim in 2025 appeared first on Join the Claim.

What claims should be on your radar in June 2025

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:00:57 +0000

From hidden fees to data breaches, this month is packed with big developments in consumer justice.

A record-breaking payout from Mastercard has been approved. Google’s facing not one but two major lawsuits. And fresh data breach claims are piling up against high street names like Co-op and M&S. If there is a claim with your name on it, here’s what to know – and what to do next.

Google search advertising claim

Google is now facing two separate lawsuits in the UK over its dominance in the search advertising market — one from businesses, and a newly certified claim from consumers.

Last month, we highlighted the £5 billion group claim on behalf of UK businesses that paid for Google search ads. Now, a second claim has been given the green light, and this one could affect millions of UK shoppers.

The £7 billion consumer claim alleges that Google’s anti-competitive conduct led to inflated costs being passed on to consumers who bought goods or services online. It covers almost every adult in the UK.

You could be owed money if:

You are aged 16 or older and live in the UK
You’ve bought goods or services online since 1 October 2016

Where to sign up:

This is an “opt-out” claim, meaning if you’re eligible, you’re automatically included unless you choose not to be. Visit the official claim website for more details and updates.

M&S data breach claim

Marks & Spencer is now facing an ‘unprecedented’ customer lawsuit over its recent data breach. An article in The Grocer highlighted how hundreds of affected M&S customers had signed up to a potential class action, just weeks after the story broke. It also name checked Join the Claim as a go-to platform for connecting consumers with leading law firms taking on the case.

You could be owed money if:

You are a M&S customer, Sparks member or employee
You’ve been notified your data was involved in the breach

Where to sign up:

Think you could you qualify for a no-win, no-fee Marks & Spencer compensation claim? Find out instantly with our easy-to-use checker.

Co-op data breach claim

It’s official. A group action claim has now been launched following a major data breach involving the Co-op. In spring 2025, hackers claimed to have accessed sensitive data from customers and employees. Although the Co-op initially downplayed the incident, it has since confirmed the breach.

You could be owed money if:

You are a current or former member of the Co-op
You have received notification that your data was involved in this breach

Where to sign up:

Our claim checker is now live. Take two minutes to see if you might qualify for compensation.

Legal Aid data breach claim

In May 2025, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that hackers had managed to access a significant amount of data from the Legal Aid Agency. The breach happened due to a “significant” cyber-attack. The breach potentially affects anyone who has applied for legal aid since 2010.

You could be owed money if:

You have used the Legal Aid Agency at any time since 2010
You have received notification that your data was involved in this breach

Where to sign up:

Our claim checker is now live. Answer a few simple questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify for the Legal aid data breach group action claim.

Mastercard hidden fees claim

It’s official. After years of legal battles, Mastercard has agreed to pay out up to £100 million to UK consumers as part of a landmark class action settlement.

The claim alleged that between 1992 and 2008, Mastercard charged excessive fees to retailers. These hidden costs were then passed on to shoppers through higher prices. And the kicker? Even if you didn’t use a Mastercard, you still paid more at the till.

You could be owed money if:

You were a UK resident on 6 September 2016
You lived in the UK for at least three months between 1997 and 2008
You bought anything from a business that accepted Mastercard

Where to sign up:

The official claim website is the place to sign up. Eligible individuals will have until the end of 2025 to submit their details. Compensation is expected to range from £45–£70 per person, depending on how many people join.

Microsoft data protection claim

A major civil liberties group in Ireland has launched legal action against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misusing people’s personal data.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) says Microsoft’s ad system is breaking GDPR rules through something called real-time bidding – the split-second process that shares your personal info with advertisers when you visit a website. The ICCL claims Microsoft is collecting and sharing more personal data than it should, and not always with proper consent.

While the case is being heard in Ireland, if Microsoft is found to be breaking the rules, it may open the door to similar claims here at home.

Register for updates:

We’re watching this one closely. If a UK claim is launched, we’ll help you check your eligibility and connect you with a trusted law firm.

Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing with Join the Claim

Join the Claim keeps you updated on the latest consumer justice stories, breaking them down in plain English. Whether it’s a court ruling, a new investigation, or the launch of a group action, we’ll keep you informed.

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The post What claims should be on your radar in June 2025 appeared first on Join the Claim.

Were you affected by the Boots staff data breach?

Inês Gomes — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:50:30 +0000

If you worked at Boots and received news that your personal details were exposed in a data breach, you’re not alone. And you could be entitled to compensation.

In June 2023, a global cyberattack made headlines after hackers exploited a vulnerability in a popular file transfer tool called MOVEit. Among the organisations affected was payroll provider Zellis – a company used by major UK employers, including Boots.

The result? Sensitive information belonging to current and former Boots employees was potentially exposed. Understandably, many people were left shocked, worried, and wondering what their options were.

Here’s what you need to know – and how to check if you’re eligible to join a no-win, no-fee Boots compensation claim.

What happened in the Boots data breach?

MOVEit is a file transfer tool used by businesses around the world to securely move sensitive data. But in May 2023, hackers found a way in – and they exploited it on a huge scale.

Zellis, which handles payroll services for Boots, was among those affected. In the weeks that followed, Boots began informing employees that their data may have been compromised.

Investigators have since linked the cyberattack to a Russian criminal group known as ‘Clop’. This group has claimed responsibility for similar breaches at other global companies.

What personal data was exposed?

The data breach impacted the PAYE details of Boots employees. This includes:

Names and titles
Employee numbers
Dates of birth
Email addresses
Partial home addresses
National Insurance numbers
Employment start and end dates

This kind of information could be enough for criminals to commit identity theft, commit fraud, or simply cause distress. Even if your finances weren’t affected directly, the emotional toll of knowing your data is out there can be significant.

Can I claim compensation if I worked at Boots?

If you were employed by Boots on or before June 2023 and your data was compromised in the Zellis breach, you may be eligible to join a group legal action.

You don’t have to prove financial loss to make a claim. UK data protection laws allow for compensation based on the emotional impact of a breach – such as anxiety, stress or inconvenience. In many previous group actions, claimants have received hundreds or even thousands of pounds in damages.

What’s more, this claim would be handled on a no-win, no-fee basis. So, if your case doesn’t succeed, you won’t pay a penny.

The claim is still open, but group actions are time-sensitive – so it’s best to act sooner rather than later if you think you’re affected.

How do I join the Boots employee data breach claim?

Joining the claim is straightforward:

Check your eligibility – Complete a quick online form to see if you qualify.
Register your interest – If eligible, share a few more details.
Join the claim – We’ll connect you with a regulated UK law firm if and when your case is ready to proceed.

It only takes a few minutes – and you’re under no obligation to go ahead.

Data breaches like this can leave people feeling powerless – especially when they involve trusted employers. But UK law is on your side. If you’ve been affected, you have every right to explore your options and seek justice.

If you’re ready to find out whether you can claim, check your eligibility today. It could be the first step towards holding Boots accountable – and getting the compensation you deserve.

The post Were you affected by the Boots staff data breach? appeared first on Join the Claim.