Ian Kerr, the man accused of illegally compiling a database of more than 3,000 ‘blacklisted’ construction workers has begun.

Kerr, who ran The Consulting Association, has pleaded guilty to charges under the Data Protection Act, of failing to register their database. He did not attend the hearing at Macclesfield Magistrates Court.

In March 2009, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found that the company had compiled a database which held details of construction workers which was used my many construction companies to vet individuals for employment purposes. Over 40 companies are currently being investigated on suspicion of using this information and contributing to the data held.

Companies such as Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty are believed to have paid £3,000 to subscribe to the system, and £2.20 for details held on individual construction workers.

Magistrates decided that the maximum £5,000 fine for breaking data protection laws was “wholly inadequate” and have referred the case to the Crown Court.