Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Ministers are looking to tackle the issue of employee blacklists by making proposals for new regulations.

The government hopes to create measures that would stop workers from being discriminated against if their name was included on a blacklist.

Lord Young, the country''s minister for employment relations, has commented that it is not justifiable that people might be blacklisted because of a trade union affiliation.

He said: "The government is determined to stamp out this despicable practice and our legislative proposals are a proportionate and robust response."

Lord Young added that the "compilation, dissemination and use of blacklists" should be made illegal.

The government''s regulatory plans would additionally apply to work agencies that do not accept business from individuals because they have previously been blacklisted.

Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress has this week emphasised the importance of health and safety regulations in the workplace, suggesting that employers should continue to protect their staff.