Michael Lees

Michael Lees was recognised for his dedicated and persistent campaigning work on asbestos in schools when he received the prestigous Hazards Campaign Alan Award and a Hazards Campaign Silver Badge.

The award was presented by Eve Barker at the Hazards Conference at Keele University on the 10th July 2010 at a plenary session attended by 450 safety reps. The Alan Award was established in memory of Alan Dalton, a life-long campaigner on health and safety and the environment, who was also the author of a book, Asbestos Kills.

This award is given annually to a health and safety campaigner who has been most persistent and most 'annoying' and effective in their campaigning work. Michael, who has camapaigned relentlessly on asbestos in schools since his wife Gina, a teacher, died from mesothelioma was applauded for his work which has galvanised the support of teachers unions and asbestos support groups, MPs and the Hazards Campaign organisations.

[Photo by Mick Holder]

Latest News and Important Events

July 1st Canada Day of Shame Protest

A protest was held on Canada Day, 1st July, to shame Canada for its continued export of asbestos to developing countries, and especially for the Quebec government’s proposed loan guarantee of $58 million for a new asbestos mine, the Jeffrey mine, which will produce more than 200,000 tonnes of asbestos a year for the next 25 to 50 years.
In the meantime, the Canadian Government is assisting the opening of the Jeffrey mine for one month to attract international investment and it is understood that UK and Indian companies are interested in visiting the mine. A joint press release has been issued condemining any investment in the Jeffrey mine.

Canada Day Protest Press Release . . . . view here.

Photo of Canada Day Protest ..... view here

Joint Press Release ......  view here

March 2010_Forum Tribute to Michael Clapham MP

Michael Clapham MP, the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Health and Safety, who chaired the Asbestos Sub Committee is retiring at the general election. The Forum of Asbestos Victims' Support Groups (the Forum) paid tribute to the work done by Michael Clapham over many years.
Highlighting Mick's hard work over the last decade, Tony Whitston, Chair of the Forum, said:

“The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum would like to pay tribute to Michael Clapham MP at this last meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health - Asbestos Sub Committee before his retirement. It is 10 years since the Asbestos Sub-Committee was established, chaired by Michael. In that time a great deal has been achieved including: 100% IIDB for mesothelioma sufferers and a maximum lump sum payment; payments to those affected by the Chester Street insolvency; the reversal of the Barker judgment; payments to T&N claimants and the establishment of the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.
Michael's role has been crucial in all of these achievements, and many more. His background as a mine worker, trade union official and campaigner for all those affected by occupational injury and disease has given us a true champion in Parliament for asbestos victims, especially those who suffer from mesothelioma, the worst of all diseases. His familiar mantra 'nothing happens quickly in this place and nothing happens without pressure' was true, but over time much has happened and, largely, due to Michael's dedicated work on behalf of all asbestos victims.”

To mark Mick's retirement, an original oil painting was presented to him by the painter, Michael Lees, a leading member of the Asbestos in Schools Campaign, and representatives of the Forum: Paula Walker and John Flanagan.

Pleural Plaques

The Coalition Government has honoured the Labour Government's committment to pay £5000 to pleural plaques sufferers who had made a claim for compensation prior to the Law Lord's ruling on the 17th October 2007. This is an extra statutory payment and no charge should be made by any solicitor for providing evidence that a claim had been registered prior to the 17th October 2007. We would urge anyone who has been charged by a solicitor to contact us.

For details on who is eligible for a payment please click here

Click here for more details about the campaign.

10th February, 2010 _ Government to set up an Insurance Fund of Last Resort

The government has announced a consultation on setting up a fund of last resort for injured workers who cannot trace their employers' liability insurers. This consultation is immensley important. . . . . more

The Health and Safety Executive launch a new £1.2million Asbestos: Hidden Killer campaign

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to warn maintenance workers of the dangers of asbestos in buildings today.
The campaign aims to aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by asbestos and how workers can protect themselves.
Across Britain, around 20 tradesmen die from asbestos diseases every week and the numbers are increasing. Workers most at risk of exposure to asbestos are those most likely to disturb or damage it such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

Mike Cross, HSE’s North West Head of Construction, said: “Asbestos is Britain’s biggest industrial killer . . . . Contrary to what many people believe, the risks are not a thing of the past. Asbestos-related illnesses claim the lives of 4,000 people every year — more than die in road accidents.

For information about the campaign go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/index.htm

For information about essential precautions to prevent exposure to asbestos at work go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/index.htm

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit . . . The case for disregard

It seems utterly perverse that asbestos victims in receipt of IIDB, dying from mesothelioma, should have their means-tested benefits cut for the short period of their remaining lives.
The Asbestos Victim Support Groups Forum have produced a booklet putting the case for a disregard of IIDB in respect of means-tested benefits. To read the booklet . . . view .

February 2009_Government Allows T&N Claimants to Keep Lump Sum Payments

The government has announced that it will now allow T&N claimants to keep lump sum payments as well as the small payments from the T&N Funds. This welcome decision was announced on the 13th February. . . . more

February 2009_Call for government funding for mesothelioma research centre.

Mesothelioma sufferers will gather on Friday, February 27 to call for the government to invest millions in research to treat the devastating asbestos related disease, Mesothelioma is the least researched of the top twenty cancers.....
For the Forum Press Release please . . . click here