Jobcentre workers exposed to toxic fumes

Compensation of £12,000 has been awarded to eight Jobcentre Plus workers after they were exposed to noxious fumes at work.

 The Jobcentre Plus workers, based in Kings House, Harrow, suffered from nausea, headaches and generally felt unwell for several months after they were exposed to toxic fumes from a chemical spill on the pavement outside a window of the office.

 Contractors carrying out work for the London Borough of Harrow had spilled Resiblock Ultra Matt, a type of paving sealant, which contained Xylene. Xylene can cause death on exposure to very high levels but in smaller doses those exposed experience loss of balance, nausea, headaches and confusion. The staff did not suffer any long-term damage.

The workers’ lawyers pursued compensation against both the employer The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the London Borough of Harrow. Neither organisation admitted liability and the claim was settled out of court.

Robert Lemon from Thompsons Solicitors, who represented the workers, said: "These eight Jobcentre Plus workers were unwell for months after being exposed to a highly toxic chemical.

“The employer failed to act despite complaints about the strong smell of fumes and the Council failed to make sure surrounding businesses and organisations were aware of the spill so they could take the necessary steps to safeguard their employees."