TUC Press Release 17th March 2007 - www.tuc.org.uk
Welcoming new Government proposals that will speed up the payment of compensation to the people suffering from mesothelioma, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'People who have worked with asbestos and who, as a result, are suffering from mesothelioma don't have time on their side so the Government is to be congratulated for ensuring that the victims of this terrible disease get quicker access to justice and compensation.
'Although it can take 40 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop, once it has got a hold on a victim's lungs, death comes quickly. Mesothelioma victims will be relieved to learn that they won't have to wait long for compensation, and that their families will be provided for after their deaths.'
More payouts and faster for asbestos disease. -
For the first time government proposals that will speed up payouts to people suffering from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma will include compensation for those not exposed while working.
Work and pensions secretary John Hutton this week set out proposals to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Under current rules only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state.
The proposals would provide up-front financial support to people who were previously not eligible, including those who were: exposed to asbestos from a relative (for example, from their overalls); exposed to asbestos environmentally (for example, lived near a factory using asbestos); the self-employed; and those who can't trace their exposure to asbestos.
The minister said the government is 'committed to ensuring that everyone with mesothelioma can receive compensation, irrespective of their employment history. This legislation would mean that once diagnosed, every sufferer should receive a substantial payment within six weeks of making a claim.' TGWU director of legal services Fergus Whitty said: 'It is vital that sufferers of mesothelioma receive payments speedily as the disease can develop rapidly, so we welcome the government's proposals.' He added: The union notes that the number of cases will peak in the year 2025, so assistance for mesothelioma sufferers should continue to be improved.'
Welcoming new Government proposals that will speed up the payment of compensation to the people suffering from mesothelioma, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'People who have worked with asbestos and who, as a result, are suffering from mesothelioma don't have time on their side so the Government is to be congratulated for ensuring that the victims of this terrible disease get quicker access to justice and compensation.
'Although it can take 40 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop, once it has got a hold on a victim's lungs, death comes quickly. Mesothelioma victims will be relieved to learn that they won't have to wait long for compensation, and that their families will be provided for after their deaths.'
More payouts and faster for asbestos disease. -
For the first time government proposals that will speed up payouts to people suffering from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma will include compensation for those not exposed while working.
Work and pensions secretary John Hutton this week set out proposals to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Under current rules only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state.
The proposals would provide up-front financial support to people who were previously not eligible, including those who were: exposed to asbestos from a relative (for example, from their overalls); exposed to asbestos environmentally (for example, lived near a factory using asbestos); the self-employed; and those who can't trace their exposure to asbestos.
The minister said the government is 'committed to ensuring that everyone with mesothelioma can receive compensation, irrespective of their employment history. This legislation would mean that once diagnosed, every sufferer should receive a substantial payment within six weeks of making a claim.' TGWU director of legal services Fergus Whitty said: 'It is vital that sufferers of mesothelioma receive payments speedily as the disease can develop rapidly, so we welcome the government's proposals.' He added: The union notes that the number of cases will peak in the year 2025, so assistance for mesothelioma sufferers should continue to be improved.'
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