Construction union UCATT have warned that local authorities must not weaken their asbestos removal procedures, in the wake of problems experienced at St Ledger Homes in Doncaster.

St Ledger Homes have suspended and sacked a number of managers after it was discovered that contractors had been disturbing and removing asbestos without being trained and without protective equipment.

UCATT understands that the problems occurred when contractors were replacing window frames in a number of locations in the town.

The problems at St Ledger Homes have emerged at the same time that several UCATT representatives, from different areas of the country have reported that several local authorities are now pressurising members to remove asbestos materials. In the past specialist contractors have always done such work.


The problem has become more complicated due to recent changes in the law, which mean that it is legal for non-specialist contractors to remove certain types of asbestos materials. However due to confusion about the law and a lack of knowledge of the substance, it is feared that workers could be potentially risking their health.

Derek Johnson, Regional Secretary of UCATT Yorkshire, said: "UCATT is seeking answers from St Ledger Homes about how many people could have been exposed to asbestos. We will make sure that such problems are not repeated.

"Local authorities must not let current financial constraints act as an excuse when it comes to removing asbestos. Highly trained specialist contractors are the only people who should be removing asbestos."

(CD/JM)