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 Environmental Health Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£47,532 - £50,574
Join our dedicated and forward-thinking Private Housing & Environmental Health Standards Team Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Deputy Lead / Team Manager Occupational Therapy

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£61,980 - £65,478
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is committed to delivering high-quality social care services to our diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Change & Improvement Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£61,980 - £65,478
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Change & Improvement Team on a two-year fixed-term contract. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Strategic Director

Winchester City Council
From £102,820 to £118,280 and Essential Car user Allowance
We are about to embark on a major transformation in Hampshire and Isle of Wight with the creation of a Strategic Authority... Winchester, Hampshire
Recuriter: Winchester City Council

Supported Housing Lead

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£55,399 - £69,974
Supported Housing Lead<... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.