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

Programme Manager - Castle Point Borough Council

Essex County Council
Up to £550.0000 per day
Programme Manager - Castle Point Borough Council Castle Point, Essex Full-Time, Temporary 2 month contract £550 per day Umbrella, Outside IR35 Project England, Essex, Thundersley
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Finance Assistant - Debt Collection - 12-month FTC

Essex County Council
Up to £25959 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Assistant - Debt Collection - 12-month Maternity Cover Fixed Term ContractFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Shared Planning Lawyer

Broxbourne Borough Council
Up to £68,506 pa
Are you a focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a varied and interesting caseload Cheshunt, Waltham Cross
Recuriter: Broxbourne Borough Council

Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
circa £130,000 p.a.
Are you someone who leads with heart, thinks with vision, and delivers with impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Director of All Age Commissioning

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
£107,521 p.a.
Are you someone who leads with heart, thinks with vision, and delivers with impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner