Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire and Arran has welcomed Government proposals to make unlawful the denial of employment to members of trade unions through secret blacklists. The Government has recently announced its intention to legislate on this issue putting 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.
Speaking on the subject Ms. Clark said “I am delighted that following the disgraceful behavior of some employers in the construction industry the Government had decided to act to properly protect trade union members. This will be of benefit to the many trade union members in North Ayrshire and Arran who play a vital role in protecting and enhancing the working conditions of their fellow employees.”
“Trade unions play a vital role in society and I am appalled that some companies are still prepared to discriminate against someone for trade union membership. Members of trade unions earn more and ensure higher standards of health and safety at work. Active trade unionism is essential in a civilised society. I hope these new proposals mean that the appalling practices highlighted by the Information Commissioner can now be brought to an end once and for all.”
The Government has stated that its intention is to seek Parliamentary approval for their regulations in the autumn and implement them as soon as they can thereafter.