A cookie is a file containing an identifier (a string of letters and numbers) that is sent by a web server to a web browser, and stored by the browser. The identifier is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

Cookies can be used by web servers to identity and track users as they navigate different pages on a website and to identify users returning to a website.

Cookies may be either "persistent" cookies or "session" cookies. A persistent cookie consists of a text file sent by a web server to a web browser, which will be stored by the browser and will remain valid until its set expiry date (unless deleted by the user before the expiry date). A session cookie, on the other hand, will expire at the end of the user session, when the web browser is closed.

We use session cookies on this website, and may send to you the following cookies:

1. advancedsearch - stores your selections in the career wizard to allow it to auto populate when you return
2. leaflets - stores your saved leaflets so you can easily collect leaflets found during a visit
3. redirect_msg - Used to display site information to you are the page redirects
4. vacancies - Stores the postcode you enter in LMI vacancies search, so each career page can offer more relevant results
5. PHPSESSID - Use to track your session, this enables you to log in

Cookies do not contain any information that personally identifies you, but personal information that we store about you may be linked, by us, to the information stored in and obtained from cookies.

We may use the information we obtain from your use of our cookies for the following purposes:

1. to recognise your computer when you visit eCLIPS;
2. to improve eCLIPS's usability;
3. to analyse the use of eCLIPS;
4. in the administration of eCLIPS;
5. to prevent fraud and improve the security of eCLIPS;
6. to personalise eCLIPS for you.

When you use eCLIPS, you may also be sent third party cookies.

We use Google Analytics to analyse the use of eCLIPS. Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about website use by means of cookies, which are stored on users' computers. The information generated relating to eCLIPS is used to create reports about the use of eCLIPS. Google will store this information. Google's privacy policy is available at: http://www.google.com/privacypolicy.html.

Most browsers allow you to refuse to accept cookies. For example:

1. in Internet Explorer you can refuse all cookies by clicking "Tools", "Internet Options", "Privacy", and selecting "Block all cookies" using the sliding selector;
2. in Firefox you can block all cookies by clicking "Tools", "Options", and un-checking "Accept cookies from sites" in the "Privacy" box.

Blocking all cookies will, however, have a negative impact upon the usability of many websites. If you block cookies, you will not be able to use the user account on eCLIPS.

You can also delete cookies already stored on your computer:

1. in Internet Explorer, you must manually delete cookie files (you can find instructions for doing so at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278835);
2. in Firefox, you can delete cookies by, first ensuring that cookies are to be deleted when you "clear private data" (this setting can be changed by clicking "Tools", "Options" and "Settings" in the "Private Data" box) and then clicking "Clear private data" in the "Tools" menu.

Doing this may have a negative impact on the usability of many websites.