Skanska vows to stamp out blacklisting

Construction union UCATT claims that it has won an undertaking from Skanska not to tolerate any form of blacklisting on its sites and that an investigation will be launched into its past conduct.

The news follows allegations in the Observer yesterday that Skanska bought more information from the Consulting Association, which is facing prosecution for allegedly operating a construction workers' blacklist, than any other UK construction firm.

It was reported that invoices from the Consulting Association appear to show that one division of Skanska spent £28,122.60 on top of its annual subscription. A single search of the list is thought to cost £2.20, meaning that Skanska may have made thousands of inquiries.

A company statement said: ""Skanska has taken the allegations of its involvement with the Consulting Association very seriously, and does not condone or support such behaviour, which is against the values and behaviours of the company. When the involvement of Skanska was brought to the management team's attention, we immediately launched an internal investigation into the matter. These investigations continue and Skanska will ensure that it identifies its involvement and will take action as necessary."

UCATT said that its general secretary Alan Ritchie had held a meeting with Skanska executives who reasserted that all blacklisting on their sites had ceased and that an internal investigation had been launched into who had authorised the blacklisting.

Ritchie said: "The level of blacklisting that appears to have been undertaken by Skanska is staggering.

"The people responsible should be brought to book. It is right that Skanska are putting their house in order. However to fully restore the company's image and to reassure its workforce the findings of the company should be made public."

Ian Kerr, who ran the Consulting Association, is set to go on trial tomorrow.