MP joins union bid for compensation payouts

Date published: 28/11/2007

Michael Meacher, MP has backed a campaign to overturn a Law Lords ruling on compensation payments for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases.

Mr Meacher has written to Justice Minister Bridget Prentice in support of the Union of Construction, Allied Traders and Technicians (UCATT).

UCATT says the decision to stop compensation payments for those suffering from asbestos-related pleural plaques — which causes breathing and mobility problems — is unjust and will bring misery to those affected by the condition and their families.

In his letter, Mr Meacher said: "I would like to know on what grounds this decision has been made and would like a full and comprehensive response as to why the Government is failing to act on behalf of many of my constituents who suffer from pleural plaques.

"The compensation applied for is not on top of industrial injury claims but instead of and I can see no logical reason why payments should be denied."

Before the new ruling was made, pleural plaque sufferers could initiate a claim and obtain compensation on a provisional basis should their condition progress into a life threatening illness such as cancer or mesothelioma.

Law Lords voted unanimously to change the law so that pleural plaque sufferers would have to wait until their condition became life threatening before they could begin the compensation process.

Between 1981 and 2000, 50 Oldhamers died from asbestos- related cancer, with many working at Turner and Newall asbestos manufacturers which is just outside the borough.

In a letter to Mr Meacher, Alan Ritchie, general secretary at UCATT, said the decision would have far reaching effects, especially when it comes to tracking down past employers and insurance companies.

Mr Ritchie also said that the new ruling would leave pleural plaque sufferers worrying about the financial security of their family. He added: "Asbestos exposure for most individuals occurred over 25 years ago. Many of the firms that employed them have gone into liquidation.

"Considerable time has to be spent in identifying defendants and then carrying out searches and inquiries to locate their insurers.

"The decision of the House of Lords has not only created injustice for the current claims but also created potential for widespread injustice in the future."