I turned even redder today when I heard the news today that John Lewis plead guilty to breaching the asbestos regulations only one year ago.

Despite numerous campaigns to highlight the dangers of asbestos in the workplace, John Lewis allowed staff to continue to work refurbishing its store in Edinburgh when the alarm was raised that asbestos was likely to be present.

I deal with thousands of compensation claims a year for those with asbestosis, pleural plaques and fatal mesothelioma – all contracted through employer’s negligence in exposing its employees to asbestos fibres.

Both John Lewis and contractor Morris & Spottiswood pled guilty to breaches of the control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

Both companies will be sentenced next month.