Well, as the blacklisted Manchester electricians will tell you, they never went away. But what the hell is this?
"The National Staff Dismissal Database (NSDR) is an Action Against Business Crime (AABC) initiative to reduce losses attributed to staff dishonesty." A list of people "dismissed (whether prosecuted or otherwise) or left the company under suspicion of: Theft or attempted theft of money, merchandise or property from the Company, its suppliers, staff or customers... causing a loss to the company or another party... causing damage to company property." All of which is apparently done by a "home office supported body" regulated by the Data Protection Act.
Surely this has got to be illegal? If people commit criminal acts that mean they aren't fit for a job, then there's already mechanisms for guarding against that, most companies operate criminal record disclosures, and they all have access to the Criminal Records Bureau system if they need it. So what possible purpose could this serve?
Note the bits in bold, to go on this list you don't have to have committed a crime at all, just have your former employer suspect you of doing so. Also, look at the criteria; theft, damage to company property, causing loss? What the hell could "causing loss" cover? Practically anything. Theft? What counts? A few pens? A stapler? Or serious fraud? Damaging company property? What like crashing a forklift or something like that? The potential to abuse this (or rather, to use it probably intended function - as a blacklist) is huge.
And of course access is restricted to clients, so you have no way of knowing if you've been included on it.
All backed by our Labour government apparently. They never cease to amaze...
hat tip: Meanwhile at the bar
