Unions Step Up Pleural Plaques Fight

Unions have stepped up their campaign to win compensation for victims of asbestos-related pleural plaques, with a fresh appeal to the government to overturn a Law Lords ruling. A lobby of parliament organised by unions including GMB, Unite and UCATT this week pressed MPs to support moves to overturn the ruling denying payouts to sufferers of pleural plaques - a scarring of the lungs that has been linked to an increased risk of subsequently developing mesothelioma, lung and other cancer. A decision has been promised for months by the government.

Tony Woodley, Unite's joint general secretary, said: 'These men and women went to work healthy, but came home carrying a ticking time bomb and a high risk of full blown lung cancer. Compensation, while it will not restore their health, goes some way towards easing the anguish for them and their families.' He criticised the Law Lords for 'letting the greedy insurance industry dodge their duty to these people so they can pocket £1.4 billion.'

Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, said: 'The government has messed around with its decision for long enough. It is time it recognised that working people, who have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering from pleural plaques, have the right to be treated equitably across the UK. It is inexcusable that sick workers are being denied the dignity of proper compensation for being made ill by their employers.'

The issue was discussed this week at prime minister's question time. In response to a question from MP Stephen Hepburn, Gordon Brown's commitment that there must be 'fairness' when seeking a 'resolution' for pleural plaques victims. UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie commented: 'UCATT welcomes the prime minister's commitment to fairness on this matter. The only fair resolution is to restore the right to compensation and the establishment of liability for pleural plaques victims who have had their health needlessly damaged by negligent employers.'

Source: TUC Risks

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