Decision to drop “spying” plans welcomed by UNISON | News, Press release | News | UNISON

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.”

Source: Decision to drop “spying” plans welcomed by UNISON | News, Press release | News | UNISON