Trade Union Blacklists To Be Prohibited

Following action by the Information Commissioner to shut down a blacklist of construction workers in March this year on the basis of data protection law, there has been much speculation as to whether the practice of blacklisting will be outlawed generally.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has today announced that the Government intends to introduce new regulations to prevent union members being victimised at work or denied access to employment due to blacklists. This is likely to make unlawful the compiling, dissemination or use of prohibited lists subject to certain limited exceptions. Consultation on the proposed regulations will be launched in early summer.

Whilst the unions welcome this announcement, it is notable that the proposed regulations will only apply to trade union activities or membership.