UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Key data protection legislation governing how personal information should be handled, stored, and shared in letters of recommendation. Requires lawful basis for processing data and appropriate safeguards.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Fundamental employment legislation ensuring recommendations align with basic employment rights and principles, including fair treatment and accuracy of employment-related information.

Equality Act 2010: Anti-discrimination legislation ensuring recommendations are free from bias based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.

Defamation Act 2013: Governs potential liability for written statements. Ensures recommendations are truthful, accurate, and don't unfairly damage reputation through false or misleading statements.

Human Rights Act 1998: Protects fundamental rights including privacy and fair treatment. Relevant for ensuring recommendations respect individual privacy rights and dignity.

Duty of Care: Common law principle requiring reasonable care in providing accurate and fair information about the subject of the recommendation.

Confidentiality Obligations: Legal and ethical requirements to maintain appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information while providing meaningful recommendations.

Professional Standards: Industry-specific regulations and professional codes of conduct that may apply to certain sectors when providing recommendations.