UNISON wins asbestosis payout

TUC Risks 29tth January 2008 reported that a retired member of the union UNISON, had been awarded a £25,000 payout after contracting asbestosis.

The 79 year old former joiner worked for a number of different firms during the 1950s and 1960s, and was regularly exposed to asbestos. Four of his former employers - Pochin's PLC, Cammell Laird Ship Builders Ltd, Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd and Sir Robert Lloyd - agreed the settlement.

His exposure to asbestos happened before he became a member of UNISON. 'This case proves just how beneficial trade union membership can be,' said his branch secretary, Glen Williams. 'Even if your exposure occurred before you became a member, you may still be entitled to the benefit of union legal aid. It also demonstrates the importance of keeping up your trade union membership upon retirement.' UNISON's solicitors had to undertake considerable detective work to track down the companies that had exposed him to asbestos, all of which had since closed.