Bosses to be named and shamed

The Scottish affairs select committee, chaired by Ian Davidson MP, will be holding its second session investigating blacklisting on Tuesday.

It is expected to reveal the names of managers in construction and the North Sea oil industry responsible for blacklisting.

Demands for a full public inquiry into blacklisting escalated after TUC general secretary Brendan Barber called for a public inquiry into police collusion with blacklisting of trade union members.

General secretary of construction union Ucatt Steve Murphy described blacklisting as a “terrible crime.”

He said: “It will be a long and dire fight, but it’s one we’re absolutely committed to. The victims of blacklisting have a right to know how the state conspired to destroy people’s lives.”

A composite motion passed at Ucatt’s conference demanded more action to tackle the issue.

It called on the Labour Party to back John McDonnell MP, who is demanding a full investigation and public inquiry into blacklisting in the country.

A government spokesman said workers have a right not to be blacklisted by any individual, business or other organisation because of trade union membership or activity. From March 2 2010 it became unlawful for any individual,
business or other organisation to draw up, supply, sell or use a blacklist.

It also became unlawful for an employer to refuse employment, dismiss or subject a worker to any other detriment such as promotion or pay rise for reasons related to a blacklist.