Unions launch asbestos campaign website

Unions have launched a new campaigning website to put pressure on the government to remove all asbestos from educational buildings. The website, https://the-juac.co.uk, was launched on Clean Air Day 2021 (17 June), by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC), comprising representatives of ASCL, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UNISON, Unite, UCU and Voice.

Measures which the JUAC are calling for include an independent review of the government’s current policy of managing asbestos in-situ instead of removing it, and a funded programme for the phased removal of all asbestos starting with the most dangerous, with completion no later than 2028.

Chair of JUAC John McClean said: ‘The continuing presence of asbestos in so many of our schools is a disgrace, when the risks to children and adults are so well known. Effective government action to tackle this is long overdue. A phased programme of removal, starting with the most dangerous first, is the only way forward.’