Privacy International comments on employee blacklist proposals

Date: 14th May 2008

Watchdog Privacy International has asserted that any proposals to create an employee blacklist would probably be illegal, it has been revealed.

According to reports, the organisation has warned that any move to create such a database of dismissed employees would actually come close - in certain circumstances - to both libel and defamation, if the information resulted in a named individual finding themselves unable to obtain a new job.

Expected to be launched later in May, the new database would feature the details of dismissed employees who have faced accusations of either misconduct or theft by a former employer.

"There is no way that this database is necessary or in the substantial public interest. So these employers who want this database have to make their case to Parliament, or else they will be soon in the courts," said a representative from Privacy International.

The new database will allow employers to report individuals irrespective of whether or not any action has been taken by the police for the alleged offence.