More than 40 construction companies could face legal action over claims that they bought confidential information about their workers.

The Information Commissioner said building firms covertly bought details of employees' trade union activities and conduct at work "over many years" from a private investigator.

The information was then allegedly used to create a "blacklist" and stop some people from getting work.

Deputy information commissioner David Smith said: "This is a serious breach of the Data Protection Act. Not only was personal information held on individuals without their knowledge or consent, but the very existence of the database was repeatedly denied.

Trading people's personal details in this way is unlawful and we are determined to stamp out this type of activity.

Construction workers have repeatedly claimed that they have been stopped from getting work after being blacklisted for suspected union activities. The industry has always denied the claims.

A list of major companies alleged to have broken data protection laws by paying for information on their employees is expected to be published later

uk.news.yahoo.com

On BBC news, 6th March 09, it was revealed the 40 firms including some of the UKs largest construction companies, paid £3 000 per year for the information. Further investigations are ongoing regarding the true size of the crime and whether other sectors of the workforce are b...