×
Menu
Search
Home
Blog
Wage & Hour
California Personnel Files
California Personnel Files

California Personnel Files

In California, most employees have a right to a copy of their personnel file. But what is a personnel file? In California, a personnel file may include any documents that are used to determine an employee’s qualifications for employment, promotion, additional compensation, termination, disciplinary action, or that pertain to any grievance concerning the employee. Employers cannot hide important employment documents simply by avoiding the label “personnel file” or scattering them throughout several different files.

A personnel file, however, does not include records relating to the investigation of a possible criminal offense, letters of reference, or records that are obtained prior to the employee’s employment, connected to a promotional exam, or prepared by identifiable exam committee members.

California employees are also entitled to copies of any documents that bear the employee’s signature and relate to obtaining or holding employment. This typically includes job applications, offer letters, performance evaluations, and termination paperwork.

Until recently, California employees only had a right to “inspect” the personnel file, but now both current and former employees have the right to a complete copy, provided they pay for postage. Employers are required to comply with a personnel file request within 30 days, and to maintain employee personnel files for three years.

SHARE ON
facebook twitter instagram

Recent Posts

Call Us!

DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION

415-551-0885

Our Team

Our Awards

CONTACT US TODAY

If you are looking for advice or representation, please contact us today using the form below and we will promptly respond to your inquiry.

  • Please note that we are not able to schedule a consultation with an attorney for every matter. If we are able to schedule a consultation, then the initial consultation will be at no charge unless we specifically advise otherwise prior to the consultation.

Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.

NUVEW | Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | Privacy Statement

×