Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

Asbestos claims of over £10m awarded to pupils and school staff in the UK over the last 5 years (11 January 2017)

Date: 11/01/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Asbestos claims of over £10m awarded to pupils and school staff in the UK over the last 5 years

Exposure to asbestos in schools has become common in England, and as a result the government is currently investing £23bn to improve school buildings. However, the presence of asbestos in schools continues to put pupils’ and school staff’s health at risk.

Figures show that in the past decade 32 councils have settled claims relating to asbestos exposure from former teachers, school staff or pupils. BBC Yorkshire has obtained figures from 135 councils in England that show there are at least 12,600 council-run schools where asbestos is known to be present. Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: "87% of schools have asbestos. 319 teachers have died from mesothelioma since 1980, and 205 of these deaths have occurred since.”

What is Asbestos?

The mineral is used as a building material and was used extensively in school buildings in the 1960s in ceilings, walls and lagging pipes. If left undisturbed it poses no risk. A complete ban of the substance was introduced in the UK in 1999 as the naturally occurring mineral is dangerous and was found to cause serious illness such as a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma.

However, it has been established that there is no uniform approach to monitoring the existence of asbestos in schools. Many councils have responded that they do not know which schools in their particular area contain this material. Speaking to the BBC last month, Education Secretary Justine Greening said that a recent government review had provided schools with the latest advice in how to keep pupils and staff safe.

She said:- “In the overwhelming number of cases we do remove asbestos from schools, but in some cases our experts are telling us it’s better to leave the material in place. What our review had done though is given us a clear blueprint for how we tackle this issue going forward and that is what we are focussed on doing.”

Despite what the Education Secretary has stated, many councils have paid compensation to the people suffering from asbestosis or mesothelioma, amounting to a total of £10bn to date.

Author Petia Georgiva is a Trainee Solicitor at Duncan Lewis. She currently works in the Personal Injury department handling all aspects of the field including, road traffic accidents; employers liability claims and public liability claims.

If you have a similar issue – e.g. you are suffering or know someone who has been affected by asbestos or mesothelioma, Duncan Lewis Solicitors Personal Injury lawyers can assist you with your claim and achieve the outcome you deserve. Duncan Lewis’ specialist solicitors make sure all services reflect this attitude across the entire Personal Injury Services Department – you can be assured of high quality representation in your personal injury claim at all levels. Duncan Lewis’ Accident and Injury Lawyers also provide access to the best doctors and medical specialists for clients making a personal injury compensation claim – and Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors offer a friendly and professional service, placing you and your family’s best interests first throughout the claims process. For advice on an all aspects of personal injury queries do not hesitate to call our specialist lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.