AUDIO NEWS: Plumber gets compensation for asbestos exposure and painter plans to run marathon

Former tradesman awarded £720,000 from Lambeth Council, 78% of plumbers think apprentices are vital and apprentice painter aims to run Manchester Marathon for charity

A former plumber with Lambeth Council has been awarded a  £720,000 settlement after the authority admitted asbestos exposure.

The man — identified only as Paul — was working for the council between 1977 and 1986, where he stripped asbestos lagging from water tanks and pipes and replaced asbestos gaskets.

In 2024, Paul developed mesothelioma — a form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure — and started legal action.

The council admitted to exposing him to asbestos and accepted responsibility.

The council also agreed to provide additional compensation should Paul need private medical treatment.

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Nearly 80% of plumbers and heating installers believe that apprenticeships are vital to the future of the trade — that’s according to a survey from City Plumbing.

In the poll of 500 plumbers nearly three quarters said they either currently employ or have previously hired an apprentice.

The Taking the Temperature survey also found that many plumbers were motivated by their own experience and professional values to hire an apprentice.

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A painter and decorator is preparing to take on his first marathon to raise money in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

22-year-old David Irvine, an apprentice with Home Fix Scotland is supporting the charity after seeing the impact of the illness on some of his relatives.

Irvine aims to run the Manchester Marathon in April of this year.

To support Irvine please click here.

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