Is it recommended to dot and dab boards directly onto brick on a gable end wall

The plastering firm will have to accept responsibility for this, it's the compound (dirty circular looking dots) that had become damp. If they've been advised against boarding the gable end and have just done it regardless they are at fault -hope this helps, Ryan

Never dot and dab on ground level as the dot and dab will pull moisture out of the brickwork it should be in sand and cement with water proofer added in the mix to keep any moisture back or there is many methods using on the damp course i.e. If it was tanked and then moisture resistant plasterboard was used that would be fine as long as the tanking was done rite I worked for Wirral Dpc for ten years and I would never use dot and dab I would alway advise to news the right products in the first place and let the customer know what is right for their building the company that has cause the problem are liable I would just get back in touch with them as it's there fault hope that helps in a bit more detail

Plastering company is, of course, 100% liable: damp-proofers called it right, but their advice should not have been required if plasterers had had any experience at all! Belt and braces methods save heartache: coat of waterproof render costs pennies before applying lathes and plasterboard with membrane.