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

Social Worker Level 2 (Focus on Community Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Environmental Enforcement Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£28,163 - £38,220
The Environmental Enforcement Team is a regulatory service within the Environment Directorate. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.85 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a role with great benefits? York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role with great benefits? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Health and Safety Adviser

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £42,839 per annum
Are you someone who can make impactful health and safety related decisions? Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner