Mark Whitehead 06 June 2016

Councils urged to stop using firms who blacklisted workers

Councils and other public bodies are being urged to stop giving work to companies who were found to be involved in blacklisting construction workers.

Seven years ago when the Information Commissioner's Office seized a Consulting Association database of 3,213 construction workers and environmental activists, used by 44 companies to vet new recruits and keep out of employment trade union and health and safety activists.

It has cost leading building firms tens of millions of pounds after an out of court settlement last month in which about £50m was paid out in compensation to 771 workers.

Justin Bowden, national officer of the GMB union, said: 'Having established that the construction companies lied and denied before finally caving in and paying their way out of a hugely embarrassing trial, it is time now for local authorities and other public bodies to stand by their promises to stop using blacklisting companies.

'GMB will be ensuring all local authorities are fully informed about their obligations in relation to procurement and blacklisting companies, and where taxpayers' money is spent.'

Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Costain, Kier, Laing O'Rourke, Sir Robert McAlpine, Skanska UK and Vinci said last month they had settled the litigation, bringing an end to all legal claims.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tenancy Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£36,426 - £44,139 per annum
About the Role You need to be experienced in working with vulnerable people. You should have knowledge of the support services available and be able to keep accurate records of your casework and provide statistics. You will also be self-motivated and en Wandsworth High Street
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Part Time Pre-School / Nursery Assistant (term time only)

Essex County Council
Up to £23344 per annum + pro rata - equal to £12.10 per hour
Part Time Pre-School / Nursery Assistant (term time only)Permanent, Part Time£23,344 per annum, pro rata - equal to £12.10 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Planning and Place

Bassetlaw District Council
Up to £74,377.
Our recently adopted Vision 2040 provides a clear set of priorities to direct our resources Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Bassetlaw District Council

Bicester Garden Town Programme Manager

Cherwell District Council
Grade M
Cherwell District Council
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Senior Practitioner, Children and Families Hub

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Senior Practitioner, Children and Families HubPermanent, Part Time£43,477 to £52,302 per annum FTELocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.