NEWS IN BRIEF

The Government has announced that it will introduce new regulations to prevent union members being denied employment by secret blacklists.

In March the Information Commissioner reported that 40 construction companies had subscribed to a database used to vet construction workers, which has now been closed under data protection law.

Under the Employment Relations Act 1999, the Government has the power to introduce regulations prohibiting the blacklisting of workers for their union membership or activities. In 2003, it consulted on draft regulations and committed to reviewing the issue if “hard evidence” came forward.

The Government will now launch a consultation in the early summer on revised regulations. Despite the earlier consultation, it says this is necessary to ensure that the regulations take full account of developments since 2003 so that they are up to date. It will enable interested parties to give feedback on how the regulations can be refined and improved.

Ministers plan to seek Parliamentary approval for the regulations in the autumn and implement them urgently.