In a judgment handed down on 17 March 2026 by Mrs Justice Jefford, Unite the Union was held in contempt of court and fined £265,000 for multiple, admitted breaches of the May 2025 injunction order of Mrs Justice Dias. The injunction was granted to prevent Unite the Union from obstructing the passage of refuse lorries in Birmingham, stopping collections and leading to the build up of waste on the streets of the City.

In determining the level of the fine, Mrs Justice Jefford considered that the breaches of the injunction were “deliberate and culpability to be high”. Her Ladyship further observed, “The breaches were repeated and repeated after they had been drawn to the defendant’s attention.  They were excused by the defendant on a basis of a purported belief in the meaning of the Order that I am sure was not genuinely held.”

This is believed to be the first time that Unite the Union has been held in contempt of court.

Bruce Carr KC and Anna Greenley appeared for Birmingham CIty Council and are instructed by DLA Piper LLP