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

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (pro rata)
Cleaner Grade 1- £24,796  (pro rata) Permanent- Part time, 12.5 hours per week Currently 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday (subject to change depending o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226
Can you make a real difference to the residents of County Durham by helping shape services across Durham? We are looking for a project manager with e Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Facilitator

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £25,598
Are you a highly organised and proactive facilitator and administrator, keen to play a key role in supporting a new PMO team, ensuring the smooth coor Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £28,598 pro rata to hours worked (hourly rate - £13.68 rising to £14.82 per hour)
Home Support Worker - Grade 5 3x 27 Hour Permanent Posts We are excited to be expanding our team of Home Support Workers within Hawthorn House, a dua Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner