Nearly 80 MPs including ministers and members of select committees have signed an early day motion to ban the use of blacklists

The proposal was put by Labour MP Michael Clapham, who demanded the government 鈥渆nact immediately legislation to prohibit the compilation of a blacklist containing the details of workers and employees鈥�. The motion has received 79 signatures.

A spokesperson for the business and enterprise department (BERR) said a decision on whether to take forward legislation would not be made until evidence had been examined.

However, he said the fact that BERR officials had made the trip to the Information Commissioner鈥檚 Office base in Cheshire to view evidence 鈥渋ndicates BERR recognises this is a serious matter鈥�.

Lawyers warn it could be difficult to bring in legislation banning blacklists. 鈥淭here are many reputable vetting companies,鈥� said Edward Goodwyn, partner at Pinsent Masons. 鈥淚f new legislation were drafted too widely, it could put all of these firms out of business.鈥�

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