HS2 Ltd, the group behind the Birmingham to London high-speed rail, is looking into two firms that supply workers to the West Midlands section of the line
In an investigation which was initially reported by the i newspaper on Monday, the matter related to a misclassification of staff and claims that ‘inflated rates’ were being charged for them.
It is understood that the two groups being investigated were providing workers to Belfour Beatty Vinci, on the HS2 contractors and that one of the labour suppliers remains suspended from creating new contracts while the investigation continues.
The Department of Transport said that it would ensure that ‘any wrongdoing in the HS2 supply chain’ was ‘thoroughly’ checked.
A spokesperson said the government takes ‘all whistleblower allegations extremely seriously’ and has a ‘zero-tolerance attitude’ towards fraud bribery and corruption.
The group added: “We will therefore ensure any claims of wrongdoing in HS2’s supply chain are thoroughly investigated.”