Dismissed employee database “likely to be illegal”

Proposals to create a database of employees that have been dismissed over alleged misconduct are "likely to be illegal", according to one organisation.

Human rights group Privacy International stated that such a phenomenon would come close to libel if it resulted in job candidates failing to secure a position.

A spokesperson for the watchdog called for the idea of the database to be debated in parliament and the courts.

He said: "I can’t understand a situation where a database such as this one – run by the private sector, listing your accusations that have not been upheld in a court of law – [is] used by others to pass judgements on you."

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The National Staff Dismissal Register is expected to be launched later this year and will allow employers who subscribe to report former employees accused of theft or other misconduct.