The workers won their unfair dismissal case in July 2009 after they were let go in September 2008 but the company lodged an appeal. The Employment Appeal Tribunal has now rejected the appeal.
The six workers will share a total of £46,210.24 plus interest.
The workers were represented by their union, Ucatt, whose acting general secretary George Guy said: “This case demonstrates that wherever possible Ucatt will always seek justice for our members. Far too many construction companies believe that they can treat workers, especially vulnerable workers, with contempt. Companies must learn to treat workers fairly and decently.”
Steve Cottingham, a partner at solicitors OH Parsons, who represented the workers at the original Employment Tribunal and at the Employment Appeal Tribunal, said: “I am very pleased that once again the tribunal system has found in favour of Ucatt members, which brings this long running case to an end. Companies must learn that it is simply unacceptable to mistreat their workforce.”
The workers were originally employed by Crowleys on an Islington Council contract. In 2007 the contract was transferred to FM Conway Ltd. The workers were dismissed in September 2008 after raising concerns about attacks on their terms and conditions and being pressurised to work on a self-employed basis.
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