Database shares details of dishonest employees

The National Staff Dismissal Register (NSDR) has been developed by Action Against Business Crime (AABC) to combat the average annual loss of £497 million to staff theft and fraud in the retail industry.

According to AABC, the database already has the support of a number of major retailers including Harrods, HMV, Mothercare and Selfridges, as well as Reed Managed Services - one of the UK's largest providers of outsourced staff.

The register will hold the details of individuals who have been dismissed or who have left employment whilst under investigation for acts of dishonesty, such as theft of money or merchandise, or causing damage to company property.

The information is shared with other members of the register who can access the national system to search for details of an applicant.

Mike Schuck, chief executive of AABC, said regular communication with the Information Commissioner's Office had ensured that the register complied "strictly" with the Data Protection Act. Workers put on the database would be entitled to check what information was held about them.

Falsely accused?

The database will hold details of people not prosecuted or found guilty in court of the allegations made against them, Mr Schuck added.

However, he said the maximum time someone would be held on the register would be five years - except in exceptional circumstances. The information would also be encrypted and password protected.

The TUC said it feared employees falsely accused of misconduct would be unable to find work.

General secretary Brendan Barber said: "While criminal activity in the workplace can never be condoned, the TUC is concerned that this register could lead to people being excluded from the job market by an employer who falsely accuses them of misconduct or sacks them because they bear them a grudge.

"An individual may not be aware they have been listed and have no right of appeal."

Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, added: "There will be an enormous kick back against this, and GMB as the major union for shop workers will lead the charge."