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Unions step up fight for compensation for asbestos-illness sufferers

(The Scotsman 28/10/2009)

A lobby of Parliament will be held by the GMB, Unite and Ucatt unions to press MPs to support moves to overturn a ruling denying pay-outs to sufferers from pleural plaques - a scarring of the lungs that can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer. Tony Woodley, the Unite 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.

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Compensation hopes of asbestos-linked cancer campaigners dashed by ruling

(The Scotsman 05/07/2009)

The Department for Work and Pensions has accepted the findings of an expert review into pleural plaques, a lung condition that is a marker of future risk of cancer and mesothelioma. The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) said that pleural plaques should not be added to the list of industrial injuries that attract disability benefits - preventing sufferers from claiming up to around £100 a week.

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Breakthrough for asbestos victims

(The Scotsman 12/03/2009)

VICTIMS of negligent exposure to asbestos were yesterday given new powers to seek damages in Scotland. The decision overturns a House of Lords ruling that people with pleural plaques - a symptomless thickening of lung membranes - cannot claim compensation. Insurers warned the Scottish Parliament had ignored medical opinion and could "open floodgates" for claims.

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