Firm found guilty of asbestos failings in refurb of former Unicorn pub in Manchester

The Manchester-based construction company was ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs after a routine investigation to the site uncovered failings.

On 16 May 2022, an HSE inspector discovered that 12 square metres of asbestos insulating board (AIB) had been present in a ‘dumb waiter’ lift shaft – but had already been illegally removed by unknown individuals. 

The inspector issued a prohibition notice stopping all work on site until an asbestos survey had been completed.

HSE said A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited failed to carry out a full asbestos survey at Unicorn Pub in Greater Manchester before beginning work. Photograph: HSE

Previously, after noticing the pub door had been broken into, a site worker had entered the building, where they discovered what appeared to be asbestos debris in the area around the lift shaft. The debris was later wrapped and removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

HSE said A1 Property Maintenance Management Limited failed to carry out a full asbestos survey to confirm that all asbestos-containing materials had been removed before allowing further construction work to take place.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(6) of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It was fined £5,360 and ordered to pay £5,117 in costs at a hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2025.

An HSE spokesperson said: “This was a serious incident and put those working in the building at risk of being exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos.

“Duty holders are reminded of the need to review without delay an asbestos assessment if there has been a significant change in the premises to which the assessment relates.”

HSE highlighted its campaign “Asbestos Your Duty”,  which reminds employers and tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of working safely with it.