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.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Services Senior Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £31,015 - £34,811
Are you an experienced administrator who enjoys supporting people, leading a team and making sure services run smoothly? A fantastic opportunity has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Secretary

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 pro rata (pay award pending)
Required from 1st November 2026   Kirk Merrington Primary School are looking to appoint a full-time school secretary due to the retirement of the curr Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Fleet Hire Desk Assistant

Durham County Council
£27,274 - £29,542
The Fleet Operations Team in Fleet and Depot Management are looking for a Fleet Hire Desk Assistant to join their team.   To assist the Fleet Services Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,185 - £25,989 pro rata (pay award pending)
This role is permanent, term time only plus 2 weeks, 37 hours per week. We are looking for an experienced and qualified Teaching Assistant, who is hi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Classroom Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916 - £45,352 pro rata (pay award pending)
Required
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner