Cutting schools’ cash to invest in buildings could increase the risk from asbestos for pupils and teachers, education unions have warned.

School buildings are “crumbling” amid funding pressures, and asbestos may become more present in classrooms because heads cannot afford repairs, the Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has said.

Significant and urgent government investment is needed in this week’s Budget to remove asbestos from school buildings to ensure the safety of children and staff, according to the group of nine unions.