Earlier, media reported that the UK Department for Education was urgently calling schools a few days before the start of the school year to make sure they have a plan in place in the event of a building collapse. This year, most schools in England start the school year on September 4.
"This week, the department has contacted all 104 further settings where RAAC is currently confirmed to be present without mitigations in place, to ask them to vacate spaces or buildings that are known to contain RAAC," the UK government said in a statement.
This type of concrete was widely used in the construction of one- and two-story public buildings in the United Kingdom in the 1950s through the 1990s. The material is similar to normal concrete, but it is lighter, less durable and more susceptible to deterioration from moisture. As a result, there are now concerns about the durability of dozens of schools and hospitals, among other structures.
"Nothing is more important than making sure children and staff are safe in schools and colleges, which is why we are acting on new evidence about RAAC now, ahead of the start of term. We must take a cautious approach because that is the right thing to do for both pupils and staff," UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan was quoted as saying in the statement.
Since 2015, 15 billion pounds ($19 billion) has been invested to keep schools safe and operational, while 500 school buildings will be transformed over the next decade through the School Rebuilding Programme, the UK government said.