Blacklisting consultation document unveiled

New regulations that will make it unlawful for trade union members to be denied employment through secret blacklists have been unveiled today in a Department of Business consultation document.

The main proposals are:

• Make it unlawful for organisations to refuse employment or sack individuals as a result of appearing on a blacklist;
• Make it unlawful for employment agencies to refuse to provide a service on the basis of appearing on a blacklist;
• Enable individuals or unions to pursue compensation or solicit action against those who compile, distribute or use blacklists.

The consultation period will run for six weeks, shorter than usual, to allow legislation to be brought forward as quickly as possible.

Ministers want parliament to approve the new regulations in the autumn and implement them soon afterwards.

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”.