Serious concerns over asbestos report

“We regret that the Government is simply not doing enough to protect staff and pupils.

 “It is inexcusable that the Government has not made it compulsory for all schools to report on the presence and condition of asbestos.

“More than one in ten schools did not participate in the Department’s AMAP survey and 3,485 schools (17.8% of participating schools) are not compliant with the Department’s guidance.

“Asbestos is a significant problem in schools and it is deeply concerning that schools routinely are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over concerns that they are failing in their duty to safety manage asbestos.

“To protect staff and the public, the Government should also ensure that all schools are properly inspected by qualified persons to determine where asbestos is present, whether it should be removed or can be managed safely.

“There can also be no avoiding the fact of Government cuts to funding for refurbishing and building new schools since 2010 which, potentially, have contributed to pupils and teachers being further exposed to asbestos risk.
 
“Government and employers should be proactive in ensuring that all pupils and staff are safe in schools.”