Workers employed by Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors have been exposed to asbestos in Bicester.

Construction union UCATT confirmed the workers were instructed to undertake work on an empty Sanctuary home in Withington Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire. The employees asked management whether asbestos was present in the property and were told that it was not.

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When removing the ceiling in the property they were exposed to asbestos. UCATT understands that six workers were exposed to asbestos.

Following the exposure the workers were requested to make statements about what had occurred and became increasingly alarmed that the company sought to change and alter what they had said about the exposure to asbestos.

UCATT had sought a meeting with Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Ltd to receive reassurances from management that such needless exposure will not re-occur but the company has refused to meet the union.

(CD/MH)