The TUC has a history of developing analysis and research to inform economic and employment-related issues.

An alternative model to reset the balance in favour of work and away from wealth.

Report: From the doom loop to an economy for work not wealth

The TUC produces a wide range of research and analysis reports

Latest TUC reports

Back

Nothing beats being a union member, but if you are looking for particular guidance on a workplace issue have a look at our workplace guidance.

Go to workplace guidance

Are you a union rep looking for help and advice to support your colleagues at work? Take a look at our wide range of resources.

Go to reps guidance

This guide is for union reps - understanding coronavirus and workplace issues, employer negotiations and how best protect the workforce

Coronavirus - Guidance for unions

Proper probe needed into Crossrail blacklisting

Issue date

26 Jul 2013

Proper probe needed into Crossrail blacklisting

The TUC has backed calls from the Scottish Affairs Select Committee for a formal investigation into claims of 'blacklisting' on the Crossrail project. Business secretary Vince Cable referred the blacklisting issue to the Information Commissioner after a letter from the committee's chair, Ian Davidson, advised him formal evidence heard by the committee provided 'what we believe to be clear proof that blacklisting for trade union and health and safety activities has been going on within the contract for the Crossrail project run by BFK (BAM, Ferrovial and Kier).' TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the Vince Cable should do more. 'It's not enough for the government to refer the issue to the Information Commissioner,' she said. 'The business secretary must carry out a proper investigation into blacklisting to stamp out this abuse for once and for all.' Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: 'Vince Cable has taken one step forward to shine a light on the murky world of blacklisting. However, we have concerns that the Information Commissioner currently lacks the sufficient resources to undertake an investigation that will deliver in a timely fashion.' She added: 'We still believe there must be a full and proper 'Leveson style' inquiry into blacklisting and this is one step forward towards this goal. The injustice of the failure of BFK to reinstate the blacklisted shop steward Frank Morris is proof that this is a live issue which must urgently be addressed.' Steve Murphy, general secretary of UCATT, said the government's response was 'derisory,' adding: 'The Information Commissioner's Office is under-resourced and does not have the resources, the ability or the powers to properly investigate blacklisting on Crossrail... Yet again this government is trying to kick blacklisting into the long grass. Asking the ICO to investigate either demonstrates that the government doesn't understand blacklisting, they don't want to deal with the issue or they don't care.'

Scottish Affairs Select Committee enquiry.

Stay Updated

Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox

Join a union