Union Takes Legal Action Against Blacklisting Firms

Construction union Ucatt has commenced legal proceedings against many of the companies involved in the Consulting Association's blacklist of construction workers.

The union has launched the court cases to coincide with the TUC's anti-blacklisting day of action which takes place today, 20th November.

The cases taken on behalf of Ucatt members who were blacklisted, concern the misuse of private information and breach of confidence due to the personal information which was contained in their files.


Ucatt has employed the services of Mark Warby QC, a leading expert on privacy law, to take the cases on behalf of its members.

The companies that Ucatt is taking action against include: Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Bam, CB&I, Costain, Carillion, Laing O’Rourke, Lend Lease, Sir Robert McAlpine and Vinci. In addition, and uniquely Ucatt are to commence legal action against an individual who held the position of chair of the Consulting Association and was a senior HR manager for a major blacklisting company.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of Ucatt, said: "Blacklisting companies wilfully destroyed the lives of ordinary construction workers and acted as though they were above the law. Our legal action will ensure that the victims receive the justice they deserve."

(CD/MH)