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

Service Director - Finance

Isle of Wight Council
£95,212 to £102,389
We need a talented and experienced Service Director of Finance to join us and play a pivotal role Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151)

Isle of Wight Council
£120,536 to £129,500
Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151) Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Service Director - Education

Isle of Wight Council
£95,212 to £102,389
This is a great time to join our Children’s Services senior leadership team as a Service Director for Education where you’ll provide system leadership Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Class Teacher (Primary)

Durham County Council
£32,916- £51,048
Primary School Class Teacher M1-UPS3 (£32,916  - £52,149) Permanent, Full-time Contract to begin in September 2026.   The Governors of this happy and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£44258.0000 - £52068.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanentPart Time, 22.2 hours per week£44,258 to £52,068 per annum FTE, £26,554.80 to £31,240.80 per annum (pro rata)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner