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

Senior Product Support Analyst

Essex County Council
£33512.0000 - £39425.0000 per annum
Senior Product Support AnalystPermanent, Full Time£33,512 to £39,425 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cycle Fleet Operator

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Cycle Fleet OperatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cycle Fleet Operator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Cycle Fleet OperatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HGV Class 1 Driver

Essex County Council
£30428.00 - £35797.00 per annum
HGV Class 1 DriverPermanent, Full Time£30,428 to £35,797 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Strategic Head of Finance and S151 Officer

Sevenoaks District Council
Package up to £109,592
As the Section 151 Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Council through its wider journey.. Sevenoaks, Kent
Recuriter: Sevenoaks District Council
Linkedin Banner