Construction union UCATT are extremely dismayed at the lenient sentence given to Ian Kerr whose company the Consulting Association was responsible for providing a blacklist of over 3,000 workers, which was accessed by over 40 major construction companies.

The judge at Knustford Crown Court, decided to fine Mr Kerr just £5,000 plus costs for offences over the illegal collection of information. The judge had the power to impose an unlimited fine.

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Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: "This is not justice. The fine imposed was no more then could have been imposed by the Magistrates Court who recognised their powers were 'inadequate'.

"Ian Kerr wrecked the lives of hundreds of construction workers, many of whom were forced out of the industry. This fine is a slap on the wrist to Mr Kerr and a slap in the face to our members who were denied work because of his actions."

Mr Ritchie, added: "Previously Mr Kerr’s solicitor argued that he was merely an employee of the Consulting Association. If that was the case then others were directly involved in the blacklisting and profited from it. This should not be the end of the matter. Everyone involved in the blacklisting including the construction companies should be prosecuted."

(CD/KMcA)