WIREDGOV

The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, welcomes the news that the long-running dispute over alleged blacklisting concerning the GMB, Ucatt and Unite unions, the law firm CGR and a number of construction firms, has now been settled and that workers involved will receive compensation following out-of-court settlements.

The CIPD unequivocally condemns blacklisting and is in the process of conducting its own investigations against individual CIPD members alleged to have been involved in the practice of blacklisting. Some of these investigations are still ongoing.

The CIPD has previously assisted the work of the House of Commons’ Scottish Affairs Select Committee on this matter. Its chief executive, Peter Cheese, appeared before the Committee during its inquiry into blacklisting in September 2013, where he condemned the practice of blacklisting. At this time he confirmed that the CIPD had already acted to strengthen its Code of Professional Conduct and its investigation and disciplinary procedures. These came into force in July 2012.

Peter Cheese said: “The CIPD is pleased that a settlement has been reached, in this case resulting in workers receiving compensation. Blacklisting is a completely unacceptable practice. The CIPD has already bolstered its Code of Professional Conduct and provided clearer practice guidance on pre-employment vetting. We will review this on a regular basis to enable the HR community to act with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in every aspect of its work.”