The Government have launched a consultation on new regulations that will make it unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through secret blacklists.
The consultation document puts forward regulations which prohibit the compilation, dissemination and use of trade union blacklists. This follows the Information Commissioner having reported in March this year that 40 construction companies had subscribed to a database used to vet construction workers, which has now been closed under data protection law.
There are hundreds of Trades Union members in Stoke-on-Trent regularly
helping their fellow employees and contributing to the success of the
organisations which employ them. The idea that some unscrupulous
employers are systemically breaking the law by discriminating against
trade union members and activists is appalling and I welcome that fact
that the Government is acting swiftly to end the practice once and for
all.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said;
“Blacklisting someone because they are a member of a trade union is totally unacceptable. I am determined to act quickly to stamp out this despicable practice. Today's proposals outline how we will deliver this.”
Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills added;
“We intend to introduce these regulations, amended in the light of the comments we receive, at the earliest opportunity. Ending blacklisting will be another important step taken by this Labour Government to ensure a fair deal at work.”
The main proposals announced today are:
• to make it unlawful for organisations to refuse employment or sack individuals as a result of appearing on a blacklist;
• to make it unlawful for employment agencies to refuse to provide a service on the basis of appearing on a blacklist; and
• to enable individuals or unions to pursue compensation or solicit action against those who compile, distribute or use blacklists.
This consultation will run for a shorter period than normal, for six weeks, to enable legislation to be brought forward as soon as possible. Ministers plan to seek Parliamentary approval for the regulations in the autumn and implement them urgently as soon as it can thereafter.