Blacklist firms urged to follow Skanska lead

Major contractors are coming under pressure to follow the lead of Skanska and ban the use of blacklists across all their sites.

Construction union Ucatt claimed that Skanska ordered background checks on 12,783 workers last year at the rate of 35 a day.

The firm has now pledged to stop using blacklists which were used to discriminate against potential workers employed through subcontractors and labour agencies.

The promise follows intense pressure from Ucatt leaders during meetings with senior Skanska executives.

Contract Journal understands that the union has held talks with other major contractors caught up in the blacklisting scandal and is hoping they will publicly renounce their use.

Blacklisting boss Ian Kerr of the Consulting Association was due to appear at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday) to face charges under the Data Protection Act.

The Consulting Association held information on more than 3,000 construction workers which was used to vet potential employees by 40 leading contractors.

Ucatt said that Skanska's checks only took place in one of its divisions - Construction Public, which undertakes public sector projects.

General secretary Alan Ritchie said: "The level of blacklisting that would appear to have been under-taken by Skanska is staggering."

The contractor has also launched an internal investigation into its dealings with the Consulting Association.

A Ucatt spokesman confirmed: "We have been talking to other major contractors on the list."

A Skanska 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 behaviour of the company.

"When Skanska's involvement was brought to the management team's attention, we immediately launched an internal investigation. These investigations continue and Skanska will ensure that it identifies its involvement and will take action as necessary."