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

Assistant Director Children’s Partnerships and Sufficiency

North Yorkshire Council
£100,545 to £111,533 plus relocation support  
North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils
£146,697
As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities, you will guide cultural transition, manage competing priorities Oxfordshire
Recuriter: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Domestic Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,796 - £25,185 pro rata p.a
If you are someone who takes pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming environment and enjoy making a difference in people’s daily lives through at Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 p.a. pro rata to hours worked (£12.85 per hour)
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? A permanent post is available at The Grove Primary School, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner