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date: 16 July 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC condemns 'totally inadequate' blacklisting fine

The TUC has today (Thursday) condemned as 'totally inadequate' the fine of £5,000 levied on company boss Ian Kerr who has admitted to running an illegal blacklisting service.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'This fine is totally inadequate and in no way reflects the seriousness of the offence. Thousands of trade unionists have been unable to work as a result of this man's activities, and may struggle to get work in the future.

'It is vital that the Government introduces without delay new regulations outlawing all blacklisting, to prevent the profoundly undemocratic practice of discrimination against those who choose to join unions and to campaign through them to make UK workplaces much safer places to be employed.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 16 Jul 2009