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Investigation into labour supply firms on HS2 launched

Neil Gerrard Senior Editor, Construction Briefing

27 May 2025

Bouygues Construction are involved with the construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct as part of HS2 (Photo: HS2)

HS2, the company in charge of the UK鈥檚 high-speed railway between London and Birmingham, has launched an investigation into the practice of construction labour suppliers involved in the project.

HS2 confirmed that it is investigating two companies that supply workers to main contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), which is constructing the West Midlands section of the railway.

BBV itself is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The i newspaper reported that staff at the labour suppliers under investigation are alleged to have misclassified workers, leading to an inflated rate being charged for their employment.

Labour supply firm Danny Sullivan Group remains suspended from new contracts while an investigation continues, according to an HS2 spokesperson.

A second company was suspended and investigated in relation to the allegations. The suspension has since been lifted by BBV 鈥渇ollowing a period of remediation and the company remains under enhanced monitoring鈥�.

An HS2 spokesperson said, 鈥淗S2 Ltd treats all whistleblower allegations seriously and we are aware of the claims made in relation to labour suppliers on part of the route.

鈥淎n investigation was launched earlier this year into a number of different allegations and our contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci has implemented additional monitoring and controls.鈥�

A Department for Transport spokesperson said, 鈥淭he government and HS2 Ltd take all whistleblower allegations extremely seriously and have a zero-tolerance attitude towards fraud, bribery, and corruption. We will therefore ensure any claims of wrongdoing in HS2鈥檚 supply chain are thoroughly investigated.

鈥淲e have taken action to grip the delivery of HS2, tasking CEO Mark Wild to fundamentally reset the project and change the company鈥檚 culture and capability to deliver the line as cost effectively as possible.鈥�

A statement from Danny Sullivan Group said, 鈥淲e are aware of the allegations that have been raised in relation to HS2. As a business with a long and reputable history we take these allegations extremely seriously and are co-operating fully with the ongoing investigation. We have acted swiftly to respond to the information, commissioning a detailed and thorough internal review, which remains ongoing.鈥�

BBV referred a request for comment to HS2.