Some industries never learn…take Builders as an example

Monday, 9th March 2009 08:55 - by GedW

For years the Building industry has been heavily regulated as a result of old, unlawful working practices, hence the recent introduction of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). It now appears that, despite being under the watchful eye of regulators, some building companies are hell-bent on actions that will bring the wrath of the State upon them. How could any major construction company hope to get away with buying a database (as a vetting tool) of workers from an unlawful source? Are they mad or just plain stupid?! It would appear some of the UK’s largest house builders have bought, for £3,000 or so, a list of workers deemed to be, let us say, potentially troublesome. Let us praise the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for acting swiftly in response to allegations of severe breaches of personal data protection and prosecuting those in charge of the operation. If any of those involved in the scandal are listed companies, I would like to see heads roll for supporting such a business arrangement, shareholders ‘booting-out’ the Directors of the board without compensation or fat pensions. What are your views?