Fellowes, is helping HR managers to empower their employees with a free-to-download asset pack to help protect confidential company information.

Research shows that more than a quarter of office workers (27%) leave behind confidential paper-based information on a printer, 15 % on a scanner, and even in plain view of the wider workforce in the staff canteen (12%).

It’s time for businesses to act and emphasise the importance of protecting confidential information in line with National Identity Fraud Prevention Month. Document security specialists, Fellowes, is encouraging businesses to launch a ‘Shred it Challenge’ during National Identity Fraud Prevention Month this October.

Away from the workplace, almost a quarter (23%) of office workers leave behind confidential paper-based information belonging to the company on a train or bus, and some 15% even recall leaving documents in a pub and a further 12% in a café or restaurant for the next person to see.

Darryl Brunt, sales and marketing director at Fellowes, said: “Businesses really should take extra care when destroying sensitive documents as our research shows that employees are becoming far too complacent with the security of company information.

“As soon as you hit print, or you no longer need copies, then destroy to protect. Information really isn’t secure until it’s shredded! If confidential information falls into the wrong hands, then the repercussions can be detrimental to a company.

“Our downloadable assets will help raise awareness of the issue to ensure every employee is thinking about shredding before it’s too late.”

Educate and inform employees about the issues surrounding fraud, by visiting www.stop-idfraud.co.uk.