This comes after the Information Commissioner's Office last week discovered a company called the Consulting Association had sold workers' details, including personal information and trade union activity. It is thought approximately 40 firms subscribed to the database in order to avoid hiring undesirable employees.
The TUC's general secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "The blacklisting uncovered by the Information Commissioner is deplorable. The Government must act now and bring in the 1999 blacklisting regulations, to give workers proper protection and access to redress."
And Ben Willmott, CIPD senior public policy adviser, said: "This case illustrates why it is so important employers understand their responsibilities and potential liabilities under data protection law. The CIPD welcomes the action taken by the Information Commissioner against the offending organisation as this will not only help raise awareness among those in breach of the law but also encourage them to improve their approach.
"Employers that ignore their legal obligations risk reputation damage and potential prosecution in courts."
Willmott added that information about employees trade union activity can legally only be released with their consent.
TUC and CIPD united in their condemnation of subscribers to building workers' blacklist
The TUC and CIPD have condemned several firms accused of subscribing to a secret database of building workers' details.
