All 1 Debates between Jo Swinson and Iain McKenzie

Wed 16th Oct 2013

Blacklisting

Debate between Jo Swinson and Iain McKenzie
Wednesday 16th October 2013

(10 years, 7 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson
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I absolutely expect the ICO to contact everyone on that list, where that is possible, practical and feasible, but I also recognise that the information is incomplete in some cases, and that its attempts to do so may not therefore be successful. I hope that the House recognises those basic practicalities.

Iain McKenzie Portrait Mr McKenzie
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Is the Minister aware of the TUC’s campaign to make blacklisting a criminal offence, and will she support it?

Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson
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I am obviously aware of the campaign. A range of civil and criminal offences exist, including in employment or health and safety legislation. Criminal offences are much less common, but some breaches of data protection carry a criminal penalty, so blacklisting would be a crime in those cases. However, that does not apply to a wide range of offences, such as unfair dismissal, causing detriment to whistleblowers or discrimination.