UNISON has welcomed a decision to ditch plans that would have allowed police and intelligence agencies to spy on unions.
Trade union activity will now be exempt from police interception warrants after an amendment was accepted to the Investigatory Powers Bill.
There had been concerns that phone records and emails of union officials could have been monitored under the Bill.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The police shouldn’t be spying on unions – and thanks to concessions won in Parliament – they won’t be allowed to.
“Given the history of blacklisting of trade union members, there was a real concern that the Bill could have been a backdoor route for a return to this despicable practice. Fortunately, the government has now backed down.”
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk