HS2 Investigates Two Firms Over Staff Supply Allegations West Midlands

HS2 Ltd is investigating two subcontractor firms supplying workers to the West Midlands section of the high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham amid allegations of misclassifying self-employed workers as salaried employees and charging inflated rates. One company, Danny Sullivan Group, remains suspended from new contracts during the ongoing probe, while a second company was suspended but later reinstated under enhanced monitoring after remediation. These firms provided workers to Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), one of HS2's main contractors, which is not accused of wrongdoing but has implemented additional oversight measures. The Department for Transport and HS2 emphasize a zero-tolerance stance on fraud, bribery, and corruption, assuring thorough investigation of all whistleblower claims. The investigation began earlier this year following whistleblower reports and reflects broader efforts to strengthen controls on the £140-mile HS2 project, which aims to improve rail capacity and economic growth but has faced delays and cost overruns. Police and HMRC are reportedly not involved in the investigation at this stage.