HMV said yesterday that it backed plans for a new national database of retail staff dismissed for theft and forgery, as the proposals sparked a fierce debate on Times Online.

The National Staff Dismissal Register is expected to hold the details of thousands of employees for up to five years, even if they are not prosecuted, in an effort to help retailers to reduce losses from theft.

Simon Fox, HMV chief executive, denied that his group had joined other retailers, including Harrods, in signing up, but backed the initiative. Mothercare said that it was considering its options.

He said: “In principle it sounds like a good idea, but there are a number of issues we would have to look at more closely before we made a decision to join.”

Readers were evenly divided about the merits of the scheme, set up by Action Against Business Crime, which was formed by the Home Office and the British Retail Consortium four years ago. Writing on Times Online, Dave, from Slough, said: “This would not be required if we had an effective police force and justice system. As we don’t, I welcome this.”

Rahul, from London, added: “It would be a refreshing change if, just for once, human rights activists were not seen to be defending only the human rights of criminals and wasters.”

Yet Heinz Geyer, also from the capital, countered: “An industry-wide blacklist will raise serious legal problems for the industry. Why should employees not hit back with a blacklist of their own and ban ‘bad’ employers?”

John from York added: “I see Harrods is on the list. Its owner Mr Al Fayed has accused Prince Philip of murdering Princess Diana. His application for citizenship was rejected on the grounds that he was not of good character, yet he will be able to sentence you to a lifetime of unemployment.”

Mike Gee, from Bournemouth, wrote: “This should and must be challenged in a court of law. However justified in the mind of big business, it is just plain wrong.”

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive