A TRADE union boss has launched an annual 'award' in a bid to name and shame Lancashire's bad employers.

Peter Billington, secretary of the Lancashire Association of Trade Union Councils (LATUC), has launched the Monty Burns Award, named after the tight-fisted, anti-social nuclear power plant owner in US cartoon show The Simpsons.

He said the prize was a tongue-in-cheek concept but does have a serious message behind it, aiming to draw attention to firms who pay poor wages and have bad working conditions.

But today the Trade Union Congress (TUC) warned naming and shaming 'bad' companies could prompt legal action and said the LATUC should consider another way of tackling the issue.

And Mr Billington assured the LATUC would take into account any legal concerns before announcing the winner.

The worst Lancashire employer will be awarded with a Monty Burns Award, which reads: "In recognition of bad employment practices, low pay, excessive working conditions, anti-union activities, victimisation and harassment."

Mr Billington, an IT teacher involved with trade unions since the 1970s, said: "There is a major problem with low pay in East Lancashire and we are seeking nominations through trade union councils for the worst employer.

"I don't think there will be a lack of nominations to tell you the truth.

I hope people won't think it is being unfairly provocative. We think naming and shaming is the best policy as we have had employers in the past who have promised to change their ways but then have done nothing.

"Since trade unions have existed they have tried to protect people at work. We are just trying to put pressure on employers who don't take employees seriously."

A spokesman for the TUC said: "We have run similar campaigns to combat low pay and bad bosses...but this was kept confidential. There is a risk of legal action.

"No one wants to see bad employers but there are more practical means of doing something about them."

The first award will be made in October.

LATUC is made up of local trade union councils that represent each boroughs. It has around 30,000 members affiliated to a number of unions, including the NUT, GMB and TGWU.