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Former electrician on industry blacklist offered £60,000 payout Former electrician on industry blacklist offered £60,000 payout
(about 1 hour later)
A former electrician on an industry blacklist has been offered £60,000 in compensation, 37 years after his name was written on the secret file.A former electrician on an industry blacklist has been offered £60,000 in compensation, 37 years after his name was written on the secret file.
The man, who lives in Scotland and is in his 70s, wants to accept the money, even though his union believes he is entitled to more than £320,000 because of the way his career was affected.The man, who lives in Scotland and is in his 70s, wants to accept the money, even though his union believes he is entitled to more than £320,000 because of the way his career was affected.
Offers have been made to 11 workers whose names were on the blacklist, which came to light in 2009 during a raid on the Consulting Association by the Information Commissioner’s Office.Offers have been made to 11 workers whose names were on the blacklist, which came to light in 2009 during a raid on the Consulting Association by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Related: On the blacklist: how did the UK’s top building firms get secret information on their workers?Related: On the blacklist: how did the UK’s top building firms get secret information on their workers?
Offers range from £10,000 to £60,000 and total £415,000, according to solicitor Leigh Day, which is involved in the case.Offers range from £10,000 to £60,000 and total £415,000, according to solicitor Leigh Day, which is involved in the case.
A total of 3,200 workers, mainly in the construction sector, were named on the blacklist used by dozens of building companies to vet new recruits. Many of those on the list say they were regularly rejected for jobs, leading some to leave the country to look for work.A total of 3,200 workers, mainly in the construction sector, were named on the blacklist used by dozens of building companies to vet new recruits. Many of those on the list say they were regularly rejected for jobs, leading some to leave the country to look for work.
A compensation scheme has been launched by construction firms, but unions are pressing ahead with legal action, with a high court hearing due to be held next May. A compensation scheme has been launched by construction firms, but unions are pressing ahead with legal action, with a high court hearing scheduled to be held next May.
Related: Police 'spied on activists for blacklisting agency'
The GMB union said on Tuesday that offers to the 11 were “derisory”. Legal officer Maria Ludkin said: “It is an indication that the defendants are worried about going to trial. We are looking forward to seeing them in court. The total value of our claim is £30m and we will be fighting for every penny.”The GMB union said on Tuesday that offers to the 11 were “derisory”. Legal officer Maria Ludkin said: “It is an indication that the defendants are worried about going to trial. We are looking forward to seeing them in court. The total value of our claim is £30m and we will be fighting for every penny.”
Further details of what was written about those on the blacklist were also revealed on Tuesday, showing how information was sent to firms when people applied for a job.Further details of what was written about those on the blacklist were also revealed on Tuesday, showing how information was sent to firms when people applied for a job.
One worker was described as a “strike leader” after he applied for building work on a hospital, with the entry: “Main contact given details. Company has not employed.”One worker was described as a “strike leader” after he applied for building work on a hospital, with the entry: “Main contact given details. Company has not employed.”
Another entry read: “Was shop steward, involved in safety issues.”Another entry read: “Was shop steward, involved in safety issues.”
The GMB said about only half those on the blacklist know their names were included.The GMB said about only half those on the blacklist know their names were included.