Migrant labourers in Qatar who worked for a company co-owned by Balfour Beatty, one of Britain’s largest construction firms, have claimed they were subject to continued abuse and exploitation for almost three months after the Guardian revealed their plight...The workers were employed by Ethel Trading and Contracting (ETC), a labour supply company, but worked for BK Gulf on Qatar’s national museum...Following repeated attempts to contact ETC, the company confirmed that it had sent the 18 men back to Nepal earlier this month. However, ETC declined to elaborate and it is unclear whether the men received their unpaid wages before they returned...

In a statement, Balfour Beatty said: “In April, following a review of the labour supply companies it employs, BK Gulf WLL terminated a contract with one of its labour supply companies which was not meeting the required accommodation standards we expect. More recently, in August, following our continuous proactive approach to ensure our standards are being met, we terminated our contracts with a labour supply company who failed to pay their workforce. BK Gulf WLL paid all monies due to the company on time and in accordance with the contract. BK Gulf WLL will not work with companies who do not meet its standards. The company will continue to enforce these standards.” ETC did not respond to requests for comment, except to confirm the men had returned to Nepal...[also refers to Interserve].