Do we have to keep UK employees files in physical format only i.e. is there a legal need to have hard copies of employee files ? OR Can we go for soft copies of the files?

Before I joined all our employee files were created in the US (our head office) and they continue to do so. If its not mandatory to have a physical file then I would just keep soft copies. 

Can anyone out there guide ? :) 

Thankyou 

Shweta

Regional HR Manager, EMEA