Another £15-20m compensation has been paid out to workers blacklisted by construction companies…
Some 180 workers tied up in the blacklisting scandal have finally had their claims settled.
Construction firms used the process of blacklisting to make hiring decisions, leading to a significant number of employees deemed to be troublemakers refused employment.
Blacklisting came to light in 2009 after the Information Commissioner’s Office raided The Consulting Association. Some 3,000 personal profiles relating to workers, activists, and trade unionists were found, but a significant amount of evidence was never removed. Many speculate the figure affected could be even higher due to this.
Earlier in the year 71 workers received £5.6m compensation relating to blacklisting. In the latest proceedings, which began on 7 April, 180 workers have successfully settled claims with eight major construction firms.
Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Costain, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Sir Robert McAlpine, Skanska UK, and Vinci PLC have set up The Construction Workers Compensation Scheme in a bid to settle with the victims out of court.
According to campaigners, these workers have been awarded payouts totalling “in the region of £15-20million plus legal costs.” However, a spokesperson for the contractor declined to discuss the figure, citing confidentiality.
The Blacklist Support Group said there are currently 154 live claims left, with 82 new claims issued.
A full trial on the issue of blacklisting is set to take place at the High Court from the 9 May, with an expected end date of 31 July.