Firms accused over union worker 'blacklist'

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4946077/Firms-accused-over-union-worker-blacklist.html

The list is said to contain the details of Midlands construction workers who have been involved in trade union disputes and employment tribunals since the 1990s.

It was reportedly found by officials from the Information Commissioner's Office in a raid on the Worcestershire offices of a private consultant last month. The list reportedly found in Mr Kerr's office on Feb 23 includes the names and national insurance numbers of 3,213 construction workers, including many electricians. Invoices detailing contracts between the consultant and at least 40 building firms were also seized in the raid, it is alleged.

At least 40 contractors - including Sir Robert McAlpine, Balfour Beatty, Costain and Laing O'Rourke - are alleged to have paid Ian Kerr, who is believed to be a former detective, to vet potential recruits to ensure they had no record of industrial activism.

He will face charges under the Data Protection Act and Richard Thomas, the information commissioner, will today outline proposed legal action against the employers.