Five months after the strike, at a time when some of the strikers' aims had been largely settled, several building workers were investigated for alleged sabotage and vandalism during the dispute.

The longest sentences were given by judge Hugh Mais to Ricky Tomlinson, a plasterer and TGWU strike leader, and Des Warren, a steel fixer and leading lay official of UCATT, who became known as the "Shrewsbury Two".

[6][7][8] Des Warren subsequently developed serious health problems, which Tomlinson attributes to the medication he took whilst in solitary confinement.

[9] In 2013 a paper petition was launched, alongside the existing e-petition, for an Early Day Motion by MP John McDonnell to be brought.

[10][better source needed] In May 2020, the Criminal Cases Review Commission referred a number of convictions relating to the Shrewsbury dispute, including that of Ricky Tomlinson, to the Court of Appeal.

[12] During the late 1980s and early 1990s, UCATT suffered a long debilitating decline, with successive attacks from a hostile Conservative government.

The union faced mounting financial deficits from falling membership rolls, having been reliant upon cash contributions from members collected on site in the age of increasing technology.

He led a turnaround in the union's fortunes by 2001, following cost-containing measures including strategic redundancies and closure of several local offices.

The union ran a 'Safety Culture' campaign across the industry, promoting construction and regeneration, which became part of the strategy of the New Labour government following its election victory in 1997.

In 2006, UCATT, T&G and GMB, the successors to the joint unions of 1972 ran a seven-day strike on the construction of Heathrow Terminal 5 in pursuit of £1.00 on bonus, and back pay.