Appeal For Information Regarding Working Conditions At The Daily Express Building during the 1980s

A former print shop worker is appealing to his former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with terminal cancer linked to exposure to harmful asbestos decades ago.

Alan Clifford, aged 65, from West London, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2017 after suffering with a persistent cough and shortness of breath.

Alan has instructed specialist industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material and to help him access funds  in order to support himself and his wife Margaret, aged 62, following his diagnosis.

As part of their investigations into his illness, expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are appealing for information from Alan’s former colleagues at the former Daily Express building in London regarding how he was exposed to asbestos.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with Alan at the Daily Express Building in Fleet Street during the 1980s, especially in the period between 1986 and 1990. It is thought Alan may have come into contact with harmful asbestos dust and fibres at this time whilst working in the onsite print shop of the Daily Express newspaper building on Fleet Street, before the newspaper then relocated to the Isle of Dogs in 1990.

Expert Opinion

The fact that the symptoms and terrible illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, do not present themselves for decades can cause huge issues for victims like Alan.”

“It can really help the sufferer to remember what happened to them if former colleagues and witnesses come forward with details about the presence of asbestos, as well as the working conditions, safety equipment and warnings put in place for employees.

“We are urging those who worked with Alan as well as those who don’t remember Alan but worked for Express Newspapers around the 1980s to come forward with any information they may have, as they may be able to help Alan.” Ian Bailey - Partner

Speaking about his diagnosis Alan said: “I had been experiencing a persistent cough and shortness of breath for a couple of months so I decided to visit my doctor.

“The news that I had mesothelioma came like a bolt out of the blue. It was a huge shock to me and my wife and my diagnosis has turned our lives upside down.

“We just want to find out how I came to be exposed to asbestos; so I would appeal to anyone who might have information about the former Daily Express building to contact Irwin Mitchell and help me to find the answers I need to know.”

Anyone with information about the presence of asbestos and working conditions at Express Newspapers in London around the 1980s should contact Ian Bailey on 0207 421 4754 or email ian.bailey@irwinmitchell.com

Read more about the work Irwin Mitchell does in helping people with mesothelioma.