Family of former Manchester City Council joiner appeal for information following asbestos-related death

John Cooke, from Wythenshawe, South Manchester, worked as a joiner for the Direct Works Department of Manchester City Council in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, asbestos was commonly used on council properties for downspouts and soffit boards amongst other uses.

It is believed that during his employment, John worked on council houses maintained by Manchester City Council. He cut asbestos sheets to size and installed them as a roofing material or as insulation.

In 2019, John was diagnosed with right pleural effusion and on 8 April 2020, he died aged 72 in hospital, days after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

A spokesperson for John’s family said:

“John would often speak to us about his time working as a joiner for the Direct Works department of Manchester City Council in the 1960s and 1970s. We hope that his former work colleagues will come forward with any information.”

Steven Dickens, asbestos claims solicitor at Leigh Day, said:

“John Cooke worked as a joiner for the Direct Works department of Manchester City Council in the 1960s and 1970s. He was exposed to asbestos which caused him to develop mesothelioma, untimely leading to his death at the age of 72.

“John was not able to contact a solicitor when he was diagnosed as he was hospitalised at the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

“In order that his family can achieve justice for this loss of life, we need anyone who worked with John to come forward and talk to us about their recollections of working with John.”

Anyone who has information can contact Steven on 0161 393 3574 or email sdickens@leighday.co.uk.