Family of Former Waitrose Manager Demands Justice After Asbestos Cancer Death

News Summary

The family of David Paul, a former Waitrose manager who died from asbestos-related mesothelioma, is seeking accountability from the John Lewis Partnership. Despite David’s 42-year tenure with the company, they allege a lack of safety measures related to asbestos exposure. Following his diagnosis and subsequent death, his widow and daughter continue to push for justice and enhanced workplace safety, reflecting on the tragic repercussions of occupational hazards associated with asbestos.

Family of Former Waitrose Manager Calls for Answers After Asbestos-Related Cancer Death

The tragic story of a former Waitrose manager who succumbed to an asbestos-related cancer has prompted his family to demand clarity and action from his former employer. David Paul, a dedicated employee who worked for the company for 42 years, was diagnosed with mesothelioma—a lethal form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure—before his untimely death in November 2021 at the age of 65.

David, originally hailing from Ilford, Essex, devoted his entire career to Waitrose, navigating through various managerial roles across locations such as Milton Keynes, Bovingdon, Petersfield, and Crowthorne. His journey in the retail giant began in 1973 as he climbed through the ranks, ultimately becoming head of retail operations in Thames Valley before retiring in July 2015. Unfortunately, what was once a career filled with achievement and recognition quickly turned into a nightmare, as David was forced to confront the dire consequences of his workplace environment.

Known for overseeing numerous branch refits and store remodels, David often found himself in buildings laden with asbestos, a material widely employed for insulation and fire prevention. Despite this known hazard, David reported that he was never made aware of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure nor was he provided with any protective measures during his work. He often managed heating duties and oversaw stock in boiler and compressor rooms, areas suspected to contain significant amounts of asbestos.

In January 2020, symptoms of breathlessness led David to medical consultations where he received his devastating mesothelioma diagnosis. As he fought this lethal disease, he turned to Irwin Mitchell, a law firm with expertise in handling cases related to asbestos exposure, to investigate the circumstances surrounding his illness. Unfortunately, the acquiescence of his employer, the John Lewis Partnership, was not forthcoming; they denied liability and were accused of failing to fully disclose the hazardous working conditions that contributed to David’s disease.

Following David’s passing, his wife Jude and daughter Nicky courageously took up the legal battle, continuing to pursue justice through the claims initiated by their beloved husband and father. Despite the ongoing legal struggle, the family sought to improve workplace safety and awareness concerning asbestos, not just for former employees of Waitrose but for all workers at risk.

Irwin Mitchell filed court proceedings against the John Lewis Partnership after their liability denial, and although the case has since settled, it shines a light on the ongoing threats of asbestos exposure in employment settings. A recent report by the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) revealed that a staggering 78% of over 128,000 surveyed buildings contain asbestos, emphasizing the need for stronger safety regulations and proactive employee protection in industries that may still utilize this hazardous material.

In a posthumous effort to honor David, his family has shared their ordeal to educate others about the potential risks of asbestos and encourage corporate responsibility among employers. It has been noted that following David’s death, the John Lewis Partnership launched an asbestos training program for their staff, an acknowledgment of the pressing issue but accompanied by their sustained denial of responsibility for David’s exposure.

Judy and Nicky’s attempts to engage with the John Lewis Partnership regarding ways to handle similar situations have been met with dismissal. As they navigate through their grief, the family reflects on the devastating loss of a man who was once fit and healthy. They express the pain and injustice surrounding David’s death due to a preventable disease. The family’s hope is that their public call for answers and enhanced workplace safety will resonate with other companies, ultimately prompting the necessary changes needed to protect employees from such dire consequences.