For a variety of reasons, you might want to request a copy of your personnel file from your current or former employer. For example, you might want to see what corrective action your employer has taken against you or what information your employer used in deciding whether to hire you. Getting access to this information can be especially important if you’re considering taking legal action against your employer.
Under Utah Law, Does Your Employer Have to Give You Access to Your Records?
In Utah, only employees of state and local government have a right to access their personnel files. If you work for a private employer, you can request a copy of your file, but state law does not require your employer to give it to you.
Public employees are allowed to inspect and copy their personnel file if they submit a written request to their employer. The employer can require the employee to pay the cost of copying.
The law specifically states that public employees do not have access to documents in their file that are confidential, private, or protected.
Is There A Deadline for Requesting My File?
There is no specific deadline for either public or private employees to request their file.
What if I Want to Respond to Something in My File or Contest It?
The law does not require your employer to allow you to respond to or contest what is in your file, but you can ask your employer and see if it will allow you to do so.
What’s the Best Way to Request My Personnel File?
The best way is to submit a written request to the person or department in charge of personnel records. You also might want to copy anyone else you think should know about your request.
If you need help requesting your file, I can provide a form for you to use for a small fee, or you can hire me to write and submit a request for you.
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