Debate over the dismissals database
Controversy continues to rage over the launch of the National Staff Dismissal Register, an online database of workers who have been sacked for theft or other misconduct, regardless of whether or not they have been officially charged by the Police.
Set up by Action Against Business Crime (AABC), a partnership between the Home Office and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the new service is being accused by some of potentially preventing people from ever getting another job.
Trades Union Congress (TUC) Policy Officer Hannah Reed, told the BBC: "The TUC is seriously concerned that this register can only lead to people being shut out from the job market by an employer who falsely accuses them of misconduct or sacks them because they bear them a grudge. Individuals would be treated as criminals, even though the police have never been contacted."
Human rights watchdog Privacy International has even questioned its legality, and has suggested that it could be libellous or defamatory, particularly if it prevents candidates from getting a new job.
Mike Schuck, chief executive of AABC, says that all participating companies will be obliged to abide by the Data Protection Act and that workers named on the database, maintained by AABC, will have the right to change their entries if they are inaccurate.
Call Bethan Southcombe on 0117 9290451 or email bsouthcombe@metcalfes.co.uk
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