In a joint letter from a coalition of 27 trade unions, all major political parties were called to commit to the removal of all asbestos materials within 40 years. The letter states that “Asbestos is one of the great workplace tragedies of modern times and it is a national disgrace that Britain has one of the highest mesothelioma mortality rates in the world.”
Since the proposal, the government has refused to commit to the proposed deadline, which was initially brought by MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee in 2022, saying that there is no clear evidence it would improve health outcomes.
However, whilst asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases remain the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, there continue to be calls for this issue to be tackled, particularly in non-domestic buildings, such as schools. According to the Department for Education (DfE), almost 81% of England state schools still contain asbestos.
Leeds Woman Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Rose Hall, 64, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2019 and has since been compensated by Leeds City Council following an investigation that highlighted that her school, which she attended over 40 years ago, had contained asbestos. Her diagnosis resulted in her having to give up her job as an estate agent.
Due to the latency period associated with many asbestos-related diseases, Ms Hall, like many others, was unaware that she had been exposed to asbestos fibres until many years later. She has spoken to the BBC, highlighting her support for the coalition of trade unions that have called for all asbestos to be removed from public buildings.
Asbestos does not pose any risk if undisturbed; however, as the long-term effects of ageing buildings alongside the material are unknown, more and more government officials alongside victims of asbestos-related diseases are supporting the proposals to remove the material altogether.
Education Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, Munira Wilson, said the government “should be acting urgently to identify and remove asbestos from high-risk areas such as school corridors and stairwells”.
“Instead, schools are having to skip routine maintenance to balance the books,” she added.
Read the full BBC article here.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Legal Advice
Seeking the appropriate legal advice promptly following a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer or another asbestos-related disease is essential to give yourself the best chance at receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Asbestos Awareness is a website dedicated to sharing information and highlighting the consequences of asbestos exposure.
Our site is owned and managed by Bridge McFarland, a UK-based law firm with a leading personal injury department dedicated to supporting clients in obtaining the compensation that they deserve as a result of an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
For more information, please call 0800 987 8809 or email info@bmcf.co.uk.
