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 – Family Assessment & Support Team (FAST)

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams work with children, young people and the families who are Children in Need and in need of Protection. Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Transformation Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£53076 - £54076 per annum
Bring your children's social care knowledge to lead digital transformation and help shape better systems, processes and services for practitioners, ch England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Referral Taker

Gloucestershire County Council
£28,142 - £29,540 per annum
Are you an experienced Adult Social Care Administrator looking for an opportunity to develop your career? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Floor Layer

Durham County Council
£36,040 p.a. (Made up of £24,027 salary plus £12,013 p.a Interim Operational Allowance)
Durham County Council have an exciting opportunity for the role of a permanent Floor Layer working within Corporate Property and Land, Strategic Facil Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Headteacher

Durham County Council
£67,898 to £78,702
Permanent Contract - Full Time Required to start January 2027 N.O.R. 187 plus nursery (group 2).   The Governors seek to appoint a committed, experien Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner