Scottish construction workers could be in line for compensation, after launching High Court action against Sir Robert McAlpine over the blacklisting scandal.

It is thought the bill for compensation could total £600m.

The 86 workers have launched the action following news last week that over 500 Scottish construction workers were blacklisted for jobs because of union activity.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron described the blacklisting as "completely unacceptable", while Labour's Michael Meacher called it the "worst human rights breach in the UK since the war".

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The Scottish Affairs Select Committee launched an inquiry following the discovery of files containing personal details of about 3213 workers at a Worcestershire-based firm called The Consulting Association (TCA).

It is alleged the files were used by more than 40 firms, including Balfour Beatty, Sir Robert McAlpine, Laing O'Rourke and Costain.

The Sunday Herald has obtained information to show at least 520 people from Scotland were vetted for jobs, but only 50 are aware this was ever the case.

Details kept on file included the workers’ personal relationships, trade union involvement and employment history.

The list allegedly includes 142 workers from Glasgow, Clydebank and Dumbarton, 53 from Ayrshire, 51 from Edinburgh, and 28 from Aberdeen.

Others are from all over Scotland.

Those who were affected could be in line for thousands of pounds in compensation for years of lost wages.

The case continues.

(IT)