Just days before the start of the new school year in Great Britain, classrooms and buildings in dozens of schools had to be closed due to the risk of collapse. The British Ministry of Education stated today that educational institutions with buildings containing a certain type of concrete will be affected. Most schools would conduct in-person instruction in locations where affected concrete is not present.
However, a “minority” would have to move fully or partially to alternative accommodation. From the 1950s to the 1990s, the corresponding material was widely used in the construction of schools and universities.
No action taken
After authorities identified the potential risk of collapse over time, the ministry warned schools in 2018 that measures were needed to reduce the risk. Work was carried out in many schools, but 104 facilities took no action.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff in schools and colleges,” said Education Minister Gillian Keegan. “That’s why we are now taking action based on new findings before the start of the new semester.”
The government promised schools financial support to carry out the most urgent work. However, there was criticism of the government’s handling of the issue, including from unions and opposition parties. They accused her of acting too late.