Email Privacy

[TracyW]

It is a known fact that work email is supplied for that reason. But with the Data Protection Act, they cannot use your emails against you or read your emails without your knowledge unless they are investigating you for some specific reason ie they believe you to providing competitors with information and other things along that line.
If memory serves me correct with the Data Protection Act they are obliged to inform you if they are monitoring your emails.
I would let your direct boss know especially as you say you hold private and confidential information for them.