Trade union blacklists: what are your rights?

How do I find out if my name is on the blacklist?

If you suspect that you may have been blacklisted, it may be worth calling the Information Commissioner. They will take your details and check them against the list. Be aware that the list has been found to be considerably out of date and inaccurate. Gather together as much information as you can about previous addresses etc before you contact the ICO to enable them to do a proper search.

In some cases you may get a letter from the ICO telling you that your name has been included on the blacklist.

What can I do if I was blacklisted?

It is illegal for an employer to refuse to employ you because you are member of a trade union, and illegal for an employment agency to refuse to take you on for the same reason.

You may be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal for loss of earnings.

A complaint usually has to be made within three months of the refusal. However that time limit can be extended in some circumstances. If you were not able to bring a claim because you did not know that you were included on a blacklist, that may be grounds on which an employment tribunal could allow your case to proceed, even if you applied for a job you did not get some time ago.

Next steps

It’s important to act quickly, especially if you consider that you may have suffered a detriment because of blacklisting in the last few months.

If you are concerned that this issue may have affected you and want to talk it through before doing anything, contact Springhouse Solicitors.

You can reach the Information Commissioner’s Office on 0303 123 1113. There is more information on their website


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