The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) is offering guidance on the Data Protection Act, after several of its members reported nuisance calls from companies asking for £100 or more in return for helping them to avoid prosecution.

All businesses are required by law to abide by the Data Protection Act but, according to BABTAC, this is not as onerous as the callers have been made out. Basic information such as addresses, treatments given and products purchased can be recorded freely as long as it is not passed on to a third party.

To hold more personal details, including any reference to medical history, therapists should contact the Data Protection Act Commission and may have to register. However, the cost is just £35 and the process is straightforward. A factsheet is available from BABTAC. Details: Data Protection Act Commission, +44 (0)1625 545745; BABTAC, +44 (0)1452 421114 or www.babtac.com