The firm chaired a joint meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) on Monday 3 November, bringing together politicians, leading medical experts, trade unions, and legal specialists to demand a ban on engineered stone and tougher enforcement of existing safety laws. 

It is estimated that 1,000 people die of silicosis in the UK every year, with 1,000s more suffering the symptoms, caused by occupational silica exposure — yet official reporting remains dangerously low.  

The hazard affects a range of industries including construction, stoneworking, quarrying, brick making, foundries, pottery, even dental technicians. 

Among the speakers was Dr Jennifer Hoyle, consultant respiratory physician at North Manchester General Hospital; Jason Poulter and Joe Clarke from Unite the Union; Tina Conroy chartered occupational hygienist of Pragma; and industrial disease expert and partner Daniel Poet of Thompsons Solicitors and Claire Campbell from Thompsons Solicitors Scotland. 

The meeting heard shocking evidence that stonemasons as young as 23 are now requiring lung transplants after developing the deadly respiratory disease, which has been linked to the cutting of high-silica kitchen worktops. 

Dr Johanna Feary, consultant in occupational lung disease at the Royal Brompton Hospital and lead author of the first UK paper on artificial stone silicosis, who was also in attendance, told the APPG that since the publication of her 2024 paper which studied eight confirmed UK cases, that number has now increased to 45, with an average age of just 31. 

Daniel Poet, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said concerns were also heard that the lower numbers currently recorded in Britain, compared with countries such as Australia may simply reflect underreporting and delayed symptoms. 

He said: “This is a disease that can take years to show itself. Like other industrial illnesses, we may not yet know the full extent of the damage that has already been done. 

“In many of our cases, clients have been exposed to silica dust for only a few years, yet the damage is already severe. We’re also deeply concerned about the long-term impact on their ability to work and support their families as their conditions worsen.  

“Silicosis is entirely preventable - there is no excuse for inaction.” 

He added that protection for workers - both financial and health-related - remains “woefully inadequate.” 

The APPG also heard testimony from a stonemason represented by Thompsons Solicitors, who was diagnosed with silicosis at just 37 after years of exposure to heavy dust at work. He described the impact of his illness as “life-changing.” 

Dr Jennifer Hoyle, Consultant Respiratory Physician at North Manchester General Hospital, told attendees that the risk of developing lung cancer doubles for people living with silicosis.  

The meeting concluded with a united call for the Government to ban high-silica engineered stone and to strengthen enforcement and reporting mechanisms. Speakers warned that current reporting of cases is failing to keep pace with this new, rapidly progressive form of the disease. 

Thompsons will meet next week with Government Minister Sir Stephen Timms, who oversees the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to discuss the urgent need for action. 

Countries such as Australia and California have already banned high-silica engineered stone, while the UK continues to rely on outdated exposure limits that are double those in other parts of the world. 

The Westminster event marks a key step in building momentum behind a national campaign to ban engineered stone and strengthen workplace safety law — with Thompsons Solicitors and the TUC leading the charge. 

Speaking before the event Daniel Poet, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Silicosis is a preventable disease, yet we are seeing younger and younger workers left with life-changing and often fatal health problems. The law is clear: employers have a duty to protect their workers. But too many are failing, and it is costing lives.” 

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, said: “Without action there will be thousands more deaths from silicosis. The unsafe cutting of high silica stone must be banned – and backed by firm enforcement. Other countries are acting, and Britain must not be left behind.  

“That can only be done with greater funding for the Health and Safety Executive, so it has the capacity to crack down on rogue employers who subject their staff to lethal hazards.” 

Jason Poulter of Unite the Union said: “Unite members continue to be exposed to deadly silica dust leading to premature deaths as employers fail to protect their workforce. 

“We are proud to join the call for a ban on engineered stone and strict dust limits but we are also clear on the need for government legislation to extend the role and influence of union safety reps in defending workers across our industries.”