July 26th, 2007

A teacher's union in the UK has demanded that all asbestos be removed from schools according to a recent industry newsletter. The call for the removal of asbestos in school in the UK comes from the National Union of Teachers.

The call was made via a circular, which was issued following the prosecution of the council in Derby City, which was found guilty of exposing children and staff to asbestos in a Mickleover school. Asbestos is a deadly substance that can lead to a form of cancer known as mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos related diseases.

The message stated: 'Even the best management plans are subject to human fallibility. They may not be consulted, acted upon or updated. They may remain on a shelf in a head teacher's office. There may not be anyone within the local authority who actually monitors that the system is working. For all these reasons, therefore, removal is the best option.'

The circular also referred to the government's Building Schools for the Future project, adding: 'Many local authorities will not be benefiting from the BSF programme for many years and it is important that progress is made in these schools too.'