The TUC has criticised the government’s trade union watchdog for blocking a union’s ‘sensible action’ to stand up for women members by stopping sexual harassment.

The union body was commenting after the watchdog, the Certification Officer, forced the Musicians’ Union to restore the membership of a someone expelled from the union after a succession of sexual harassment complaints against him were made via the union’s ‘safe space’ online reporting system.

The union was also ordered to include the reinstated member on a list of recommended suppliers.

The Certification Officer’s decision was based on a union rule that normally required the investigation of complaints made within 28 days of the offence.

The Musicians’ Union said it followed basic common sense by allowing complaints through the ‘safe space’ to be made and investigated beyond 28 days.

And the Certification Officer agreed it was common sense – saying as much in her judgment. However, she went on to draw the conclusion that common sense should not apply. Instead she preferred an interpretation of the 28-day rule that precludes investigation of any complaint made more than 28 days later.

According to TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady: “There can be no excuse for this decision. It typifies the worst stereotypes of faceless bureaucracy. It is deeply upsetting for the women who were brave enough to come forward with their experiences of harassment. And it is deeply upsetting for Musicians’ Union reps who work so hard to support their members and keep them safe at work.” She added: “Why on earth would a government trade union watchdog block a union’s sensible action to stand up for women members and stop sexual harassment? We stand with #MeToo. It’s about time government did too.”