The trial is starting of Ian Kerr, the man who supposedly compiled the construction workers blacklist database and sold this information on to contractors.

Apparently he is being charged under the data protection act. Does anyone have an what he could be charged with?

From what I can make out, the data protection act carries a maximum sentence of £5,000 and six months in prison. There had been talk of extending the maximum custodial sentence to two years but I don't think that ever happened.

Either way, it's not much of a penalty for ruining the careers of thousands of people.

£5k and 6 months in prison is not nearly enough.

Will there  be big financial penalties for the 40 firms who paid for access to the list? IMO everyone involved in this despicable practice should be severely punished to make up for the damage done to to thousands of lives.

Skanska are apparently 'leading the way'  by banning the use of blacklists across all their sites.

Quick. Somebody shut the gate. The horse got out.

I hope the decision by any firm to 'stamp it out' does not affect whatever ruling is due against them for the prolonged blacklisting that has already taken place. It does not deserve leniency.

Pewter:

£5k and 6 months in prison is not nearly enough.

A small victory so far. Kerr pleaded guilty under the data protection act and now faces an unlimited fine.

£5k was deemed inadequate (something of an understatement!) so the case is going before the Crown Court.

I too am interested to see what sort of slap on the wrists the 40 companies who paid for the data might get. I'm a little confused though - if blacklisting is not illegal, then surely they don't face any punishment? And if they do, I hate to say it but perhaps the dire state of the economy should influence the size of the fines imposed.