William Eichler 27 April 2026

Family of asbestos victim receives over £1m compensation

Family of asbestos victim receives over £1m compensation image
High Court © Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com.

The family of a Yorkshire joiner who died from an asbestos-related disease have been awarded more than £1m in compensation.

Rick Oakes, who died aged 67 from mesothelioma, was exposed to asbestos while working as a joiner in schools across the Kirklees area.

An inquest found Mr Oakes died of an industrial disease, with Kirklees Council admitting it failed to protect him from exposure to the deadly substance, according to The Yorkshire Post.

Kirklees Council accepted a breach of duty, and compensation was paid following proceedings in the High Court.

A Kirklees Council spokesperson, said: ‘Whist we are unable to comment on the specifics of this case, we offer our sympathy to the family who have been affected.

‘The council takes its responsibilities for health and safety extremely seriously and our practices have changed significantly as working practices have evolved. As such, we adhere to the highest modern standards of safety in managing and monitoring asbestos in our buildings as part of a robust asbestos management plan.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Café Assistant - Harlow Library & ACL Centre

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Café Assistant - Harlow Library & ACL CentrePermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lead Officer - Housing ICT (CX Asset Management) - EFDC

Essex County Council
£500.0000 - £650.0000 per day
Lead Officer - Housing ICT (CX Asset Management) - Epping Forest District CouncilRemote Worker £500-£650 per day Umbrella, dependant on experiencePart England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lead Officer - Housing ICT (Cx Housing) - EFDC

Essex County Council
£500.0000 - £650.0000 per day
Lead Officer - Housing ICT (Cx Housing)- Epping Forest District Council Remote Worker £500-£650 per day Umbrella, dependant on experience Part-Time,3 England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care

Essex County Council
£38466.00 - £45254.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - South EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 Per Annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement Support Officer

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Procurement Support OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner