Blacklisting setback

The UCATT construction union has expressed disappointment that a government plan to outlaw blacklisting will be delayed.

The Information Commissioner’s Office revealed in March that it had uncovered a database, run for over 15 years by Ian Kerr of the Consulting Association, containing details of 3,213 construction workers and used by over 40 construction companies.

The government says it still intends outlawing the practice but will hold a fresh consultation process first. This starts this month and the government hopes new regulations will be approved in the autumn.

UCATT is demanding the delay does not result in any of the 40 companies involved escaping prosecution. General secretary Alan Ritchie said that “these companies deserve the maximum possible punishment.”