Get Access Personnel File Request Form

Employee records are private and confidential. Generally, no one can access them other than the employee, their employer, and relevant payroll staff. Employers must make copies of an employee's records available at the request of an employee or former employee.

As an employee, do I have a right to see my personnel files? The short answer is 'yes'. You have a right to make a SAR to your employer, asking to see your personnel files, at any time. Your employer has the right to ask why you want to see your files, but must then provide all your records to you.

You should request your personnel records in writing. Attached is a template letter you can use. Your employer may require you to make the request through a specific form. This is permissible and you should comply with your employer's request.

Providing copies of disciplinary action to an employee may be required in your state or as part of a union negotiation. ... Upon request, the employee has a right to a copy. In other cases, union negotiations may require an employee being disciplined to receive a copy of the signed document.

Under California Labor Code section 1198.5(a) provides that every current and former employee, or their representative, has the right to inspect and receive a copy of their personnel records. ... Written and submitted by the current or former employee or his or her representative by completing an employer-provided form.

Under the Bullard Plawecki Right to Know Act, there is a six month deadline for placing such documentation in an employee's file. Too often employers get to the point of terminating an employee, but don't have documentation to show that they have supportable reasons for doing so.

Unless you have an express agreement to the contrary, you are an at will employee. As such, your employer can discipline you in any way it wishes and for any lawful reason it wishes at any time, and there is no duty to provide you with...

An employer's personnel records, such as performance reviews and personnel files, are the property of the employer. The employer does not have to provide a copy, even to the employee to which the records relate. ... However, if the employer choose not to do so, the employee cannot force the employer to provide a copy.

In most circumstances, employee personnel files should be treated as private records that belong to you and the corresponding employee. Many times these files contain very private information like performance evaluations, salary levels and private reports.