Blacklisted construction worker vows to clear his name

Patrick O’Donnell, from Malton, was one of 256 workers put onto a secretive list for “misdemeanours” over the course of their careers.

They have now won a share of £10million compensation after reaching a settlement with construction firms, but their names have not been removed.

Mr O’Donnell, 72, was never told why he was put on the blacklist for outspoken workers who failed to toe the line.

Hundreds of people were stopped from working in the construction trade because of the list, and Mr O’Donnell believes he was placed on it after raising concerns about health and safety in a gas storage facility during the 1980s.

In some cases, the blacklist included details of a worker’s political views and competence, and had been used by dozens of firms to vet those applying for work.

Explaining why he believes he was put on the blacklist, he said: “I found out the power being used below ground was 240 volts, but we weren’t supposed to use it because it’s too powerful.

“I mentioned it because I couldn’t afford to let an accident happen right in front of me without saying something.

“I had to change my name and address to get employment, and without references from my friends I wouldn’t have found work.

“Work would be going on on someone’s doorstep and they wouldn’t be able to get it or find out why they were being turned down.”

In Mr O’Donnell’s case, he claims he was stopped from working on the Channel Tunnel and was only able to get work because his friends could vouch for him and persuaded their bosses to take him on.

He worked on a number of sites until 1991 when a work-related accident meant he could never work in the industry again.

The payout comes after nearly seven years of Mr O’Donnell fighting to clear his name.

The dad-of-four added: “I’m still not very happy about it because ultimately I want my name taken off the list.

“This was just a small token payment, what I really want is my name taken off the list.”