Asbestos-exposed uni worker gets £400k settlement

A former university worker who has terminal cancer after being "routinely exposed" to asbestos has received a £400,000 out of court settlement.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was given no training or protection for asbestos while working at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST).

"No-one ever told us of the potential dangers involved," said the former university employee who was later diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The University of Manchester, which incorporated UMIST in 2004, said its sympathies went out to the former employee and insisted it now had an "effective programme" for dealing with asbestos.

The man, who is seriously ill, lived in UMIST halls of residence in the late 1970s before later working at the university's Barnes Wallis Building.

He said he worked in an area where there were frequent leaks leading to ceiling tiles, panels and debris containing asbestos falling into working areas.

"Leaks and falls resulting in debris were simply an accepted fact of life," he said.

"Asbestos debris would just be left there, and we were expected to deal with it."

After taking legal action, the University of Manchester accepted responsibility for exposing him to asbestos. The former employee said the case was about accountability and not just compensation.

"I know I'm not the only one put at risk," he said.

"Other workers and students have been exposed in these buildings", he claimed.

"I'm speaking out because this should never have been allowed to happen and it must not keep happening."

As part of the settlement, the University's insurer is funding further private chemotherapy treatment for him.

The legal case was brought by Thompsons Solicitors, lawyers for the union UNISON.

Amanda Jones, from Thompsons Solicitors, said it was a "devastating and entirely preventable case."

"Our client was exposed to asbestos at work while doing his job, with no warning and no protection", said Jones.

She said the University had "accepted that these failures led directly to his illness".

"I'm pleased we were able to secure a settlement that will provide much-needed support for our client's care and treatment", she added.

A spokesperson from The University of Manchester said: "Our sympathies go out to the former employee affected in this case. We take these matters very seriously, and now have in place a robust and effective programme of asbestos surveys, remediation, removal and disposal."