What is Global Asbestos Awareness Week? 

Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) is a worldwide campaign to highlight the ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure and the urgent need to prevent future harm. To mark GAAW 2026, Thompsons Solicitors is sharing six key messages across the week—covering where asbestos risks still arise, how exposure comes about, and how we support people and families affected. In keeping with our long‑standing purpose to protect working people, we use this week to shine a light on risks still faced by working people and to press for the protection, dignity and justice they deserve. 

Thompsons Solicitors 

Thompsons Solicitors have been committed to the fight against asbestos use in the workplace and to securing justice for the victims of asbestos‑related disease for generations. Since bringing the first successful asbestos claim to the House of Lords in 1972, our work has been rooted in standing up for working people, fighting for accountability, and using the law as a force for good. Our national team of specialist asbestos lawyers continue to support people and families affected by asbestos exposure, securing justice while ensuring clients are treated with respect, care and dignity. Over the last 12 months alone, we have recovered more than £35 million in damages for victims. 

 

SIX KEY MESSAGES 

1) Asbestos Exposure Today 

Asbestos is often spoken about as if it’s a problem of the past—but for many people it remains a present‑day risk, and for those diagnosed it can be life‑changing. As the biggest cause of work‑related deaths in the UK, asbestos exposure continues to harm the very workers our Purpose commits us to protect.  

Extensive evidence shows that asbestos is often poorly identified or inadequately managed, and accidental disturbance remains common across UK workplaces. Thompsons Solicitors’ own asbestos exposure registers—kept for numerous trade unions—demonstrate that current regulations are routinely not complied with, and that “managing in situ” is not sufficient in preventing ongoing exposure. 
 
Growing concern over these risks has led to the 2025 HSE Consultation on strengthening the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This consultation proposes reforms including strengthening the independence of the four‑stage clearance process, raising standards for asbestos surveys, and clarifying definitions around Notifiable Non‑Licensed Work. 
 
Thompsons Solicitors along with our partners in the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) have been actively involved in contributing expertise to this consultation, drawing on decades of litigation experience and its involvement in every major asbestos test case since 1972. Thompsons has consistently argued that effective asbestos regulation requires strong HSE enforcement, proper resourcing, and a national, government‑funded approach. 
 
Thompsons also gave evidence to the House of Commons Work & Pensions Committee (DWP Committee) review of asbestos regulations which calls for a 40‑year deadline to remove all asbestos from public and commercial buildings, a central asbestos register, and increased HSE inspections.  

Although the previous Government rejected these proposals, the Committee stressed that the current approach is not sustainable and therefore, along with our partners in the TUC’s “Time to Get Rid of It” campaign, Thompsons continue to campaign for increased regulation to protect working people, including a national asbestos removal plan, beginning with the highest‑risk buildings such as schools and hospitals. 
 
Our call for stronger, more ambitious reforms reflects our belief that every worker has the right to a safe workplace. 

 

2) Workplace: Asbestos is not confined to one sector 

Asbestos exposure affects workers far beyond heavy industry. Teachers, healthcare staff, retail workers and countless others continue to face risks due to asbestos present in the ageing estate and unsafe maintenance practices. 

Thompsons campaigns alongside our trade union partners for the removal of asbestos and increasing regulation because protecting working people from preventable harm is central to our purpose and legacy.  

The stories we share highlight the on-going danger of asbestos and show why raising awareness, challenging complacency and pursuing justice remain essential. 

 

Alan’s Story 

Alan Turner, an 83-year-old retired chemistry teacher, was diagnosed with mesothelioma after decades of unknowingly being exposed to asbestos while working in UK schools.He worked at Dawlish Secondary Modern School between 1975 and 1997, where materials such as Bunsen burner gauzes and noticeboards contained asbestos. Alan began experiencing severe breathlessness in 2020 and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of occupational asbestos exposure. 

Thompsons Solicitors secured £180,000 in compensation for Alan, enabling access to essential treatment and care he required, however this case shows that management in situ is never sufficient to protect the people working around asbestos and that a full, national program aimed at removal of asbestos from all public buildings is required. 

If you’d like to read more about Alan’s story, you can do so here: Alan's story

 

3) Trade: Protect the people who keep buildings running 

Electricians, plumbers, joiners and maintenance workers are too often placed in danger without being given the information or protections they deserve, and asbestos continues to be the leading cause of work‑related deaths, contributing to around 5,000 deaths each year.  

Our work for tradespeople reflects our commitment to defending those who keep our communities functioning and ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect. Even low‑level exposure can have devastating consequences decades later — a reality that underlines why Thompsons continues to fight for safer standards and accountability. 

 

John’s Story 

John was exposed to asbestos during the 1960s and 1970s while working as a plumber for two Merseyside contracting firms carrying out maintenance and renovation work on a number of sites across the North West. Although the dangers of asbestos were known, he was not provided with protective equipment. 

He was later diagnosed with asbestosis, suffering from breathlessness and significant limitations on his daily life. Despite his former employers no longer existing, Thompsons Solicitors traced their insurers and secured a compensation settlement, with the right to claim again if his condition worsens. 

This shows the dangers faced by tradesmen working without being provided with suitable warnings of or protection from the dangers they face. 

If you’d like to read more about John’s story, you can do so here: John's story. 

 

4) Justice for Firefighters 

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect others, yet many remain at risk of asbestos exposure during and after fires. Thompsons’ role acting for firefighters across the UK is part of our wider mission: to use the law to protect those who protect us.  

The legacy of asbestos continues to cut lives short, making our campaigning for stronger regulation and proper decontamination standards a critical part of standing up for public servants. 

 

Mike’s Story 

Mike Harding, a 73-year-old retired firefighter, was diagnosed with mesothelioma after developing sudden breathlessness in May 2024.  

Thompsons traced his exposure to asbestos back to his more than 30-year career in the London Fire Brigade, where he attended countless fires across London—many where asbestos-lagged pipes, ceilings, wall panels, and roofing were present. During his time as a fire investigator, Mike routinely sifted through debris without breathing apparatus or even a basic face mask. 

Thompsons were able to secure a significant settlement for Mike, including funding for private immunotherapy treatment to extend his life. 

Mike’s case forms part of a wider pattern: around 100 firefighters have brought asbestos-related disease claims since 2016. Thompsons continues to act for firefighters exposed during callouts, clean-up operations and training exercises in derelict buildings. 

This underscores Thompsons urgent calls for better monitoring, stronger regulations, and long-term health support to protect those who protect us and prevent further lives being cut short. 

If you’d like to read more about Mike’s story, you can do so here: Mike's story. 

 

5) Families: Support may still be available after a loved one has died 

Too many families come to us after losing someone to an asbestos‑related disease, unsure of what can still be done. Our purpose commits us not only to securing justice, but also to supporting families with compassion, dignity and clarity. Claims after death can provide essential financial security and ensure those responsible are held to account.  

 

Richard and Marilyn’s Story 

Reverend Richard Bailey turned to Thompsons after being diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure suffered while working as a carpenter and joiner in Bradford in the 1960’s. 

Richard’s condition progressed quickly, and he sadly passed away just 10 months after being diagnosed. His fight for justice was continued by his wife, Marilyn, who, with the help of Thompsons, recovered a six-figure settlement on behalf of Richard’s Estate and helped cover the cost of hospice care received by Richard at the end of his life. 

Marilyn’s story is one of many showing how vital it is that families receive expert guidance at the right moment. 

If you’d like to read more about Richard and Marilyn’s story, you can do so here: Richard's story

 

6) Communities: Nobody should face asbestos disease alone 

Asbestos disease affects not just individuals but entire communities — workplaces, families, neighbours and support networks. Thompsons works hand‑in‑hand with regional and national support groups and charities because community solidarity is central to our purpose and our history.  

 

Vivienne’s Story 

Vivienne developed mesothelioma decades after being unknowingly exposed to asbestos while washing her late husband Peter’s contaminated work clothes. Peter, a joiner in Lancashire for 44 years, regularly came home covered in asbestos dust and shaking out his work clothes. Vivienne unwittingly inhaled asbestos fibres.  

Years later, while on holiday, Vivienne began struggling with breathlessness and following investigations, was diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

Unsure where to turn, Vivienne sought support from the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group, who introduced her to Thompsons Solicitors to provide legal in addition to practical and emotional support. 

Following detailed investigations to prove the link between Peter’s workplace exposure and Vivienne’s secondary exposure at home, she was awarded £250,000 in compensation. 

Vivienne went on to receive treatment through a medical trial and became a powerful advocate for asbestos awareness and provider of support to others suffering from asbestos related conditions. 

Thompsons are proud to stand alongside clinicians, campaigners and charities who provide essential emotional and practical support to those affected and play our part to ensure no one faces this journey alone — reflecting our belief that justice is not only a legal outcome but also the support, respect and dignity afforded to every person. 

If you’d like to read more about Vivienne’s story, you can do so here: Vivienne's story

Whether you’re a worker, an employer, a duty holder or a family member, the most important step is knowing the risk and acting early. GAAW is a reminder of why Thompsons continues to: stand up for working people; fight for justice and accountability; protect the dignity and rights of those affected; and use the law as a force for good in workplaces and communities.  

We regularly deliver training sessions on the risk of asbestos and the duties owed by employers to control asbestos within the workplace to trade union health and safety representatives, so they understand their rights and hold employers to account.  

Furthermore, we support our trade union partners in maintaining the largest database of asbestos questionnaires in the UK which documents areas of past asbestos disturbance and use, which can often be a crucial source of evidence in legal cases, often determining the success or failure of a legal claim, demonstrating the importance of using experienced legal advisors on such complex matters.   

 

Kathryn’s Story 

In August 2022, Kathryn Murphy was diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of working in the vicinity of asbestos removal work at the National Library of Wales over 40 years prior. She instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate, alleging that her employer knew or should have known about the risks but failed to safeguard staff. Although Thompsons were able to successfully settle her claim, Kathryn tragically passed away only a week later.  

Her family took comfort in achieving justice and now hope her story highlights the ongoing dangers of asbestos and the vital importance of employer accountability. 

Kathryn’s case is a stark reminder of the devastating and longlasting consequences of asbestos exposure. 

Thompsons remain, as ever, committed to the fight against asbestos use in the workplace and to securing justice for the victims of asbestos‑related disease and their families. If you’ve been diagnosed — or are worried about past exposure — you can contact our asbestos team for confidential advice and support. 

If you’d like to read more about Kathryn’s story, you can do so here: Kathryn's story.