by Phil Chamberlain and René Lavanchy
Unions have condemned as “totally inadequate” and a “slap on the wrist” the fine handed out to a private detective who blacklisted thousands of construction workers.
Ian Kerr was fined £5,000 last week after admitting compiling a database on trade union members which was used by construction firms to vet their workforce.
Although he was sent to crown court for sentencing, with unlimited powers to fine him, the fine is no bigger than the maximum he would have received at the magistrates’ court where he pleaded guilty.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “This fine is totally inadequate and in no way reflects the seriousness of the offence. Thousands of trade unionists have been unable to work as a result of this man’s activities, and may struggle to get work in the future.” Alan Ritchie, general secretary of construction union UCATT, agreed and added that the companies who financed the database should also be prosecuted.
There were angry scenes as Mr Kerr left the court hiding in the back of a car while demonstrators shouted abuse and banged on the vehicle.
Knutsford Crown Court heard that 66-year-old Mr Kerr ran The Consulting Association, based in Droitwich. It kept details on the activities of more than 3,200 workers stored on a card index system built up over 30 years. The operation was funded by more than 40 construction firms to the tune of nearly £500,000 between 2006 and 2009 alone. He was said to have earned an average annual salary of £34,000.
Kerr was fined £5,000 with £1,187 in costs after Judge Stephen Clarke heard he had few assets and only a small pension.
Manchester electrician Steve Acheson, one of those blacklisted, said: “Those high street names who have brought so much misery should have been in the dock as well.
“It is disappointing that he got fined £5,000 when the magistrates at the last hearing said this fine was wholly inadequate.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office, which brought the case, said it was looking at issuing warning notices against 17 construction companies which financed the blacklisting.
