02/03/2010

Worker Blacklisting 'Illegal'

It is now unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through blacklists, under new regulations that come into effect today.

To prevent employers from blacklisting workers for their trade union membership or activities the Government has introduced new rules banning the practice.

The move follows public consultation on the subject and evidence that a number of employers in the construction sector had been unlawfully vetting workers.

Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said: "Blacklisting someone because they are a member of a trade union is underhand, unfair and blights people’s lives.

"The new regulations outlaw the compilation, dissemination and use of blacklists. They have been designed to build on existing protections in the area, which are found in trade union and data protection law, Good employers who operate fair and open vetting processes have nothing to fear from these regulations."

He added: "I am confident that this new piece of legislation will bring to an end the disreputable practice of blacklisting once and for all."

(PR/BMcC)

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