Company sold workers’ data

An interesting article on the BBC today that tells the story of a UK based firm that has been selling employee details to construction firms looking to recruit.

Comments including, “lazy and a trouble stirrer” and “Ex shop steward.  Definite problems.  No go” were sold to employers who paid £3,000 per year and £2.80 per report.

The company has been shut down by the information watchdog who raided their premises, citing a breach of the Data Protection Act.  Action is also being considered against the 40 firms who used the data.

Unions have been critising the firm for essentially blacklisting whistleblowers in an industry where health and safety are paramount and workplaces injuries and even fatalities are commonplace.