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Unite welcomes call for public inquiry into construction industry ‘blacklisting’

The ‘damning’ report  by the Scottish Affairs Committee (SAC) calling for a public inquiry into construction industry ‘blacklisting’ echoes the call by Unite, the union, for such a wide-scale hearing.

Unite strongly endorsed the recommendation in the Blacklisting in Employment: Final Report that the next government holds a public inquiry into whether ‘this odious practice is ongoing within the construction industry’

Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: “The report by the Scottish Affairs Committee is a damning indictment of the underhand and cruel tactics that the construction industry employed against decent workers prepared to stand up and be counted on such issues as health and safety.

“The recommendations cover all the key points that Unite has raised with the committee. We welcome, in particular, the employment of ‘blacklisted’ workers. This is the only ‘proof positive’ that these major contractors are on the road to cleaning up their past dodgy employment practices.

“However, it is clear from the report that many companies are dragging their feet on the issue of compensation to remedy what the committee calls ‘the sins of the past’.

“Whoever is in government after May’s general election must respond to the repeated call for a full public inquiry into the long-running issue of ‘blacklisting’.

“The Scottish Affairs Committee, as a whole, and its chair Ian Davidson have shone a light on this murky world of blacklisting. We are indebted to them for their work and dedication in seeking out truth and justice.”

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble in the Unite press office on 020 3371 2061 or 07768 693940.

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