Jim Dobbin MP welcomes new hope for asbestos cancer sufferers

Date published: 14 March 2007

Jim Dobbin MP has welcomed new proposals announced by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton, to provide faster compensation to all people diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

Currently only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state. The new proposals would provide up-front financial support (within six weeks) to people who were previously not eligible, including those who were:

• Exposed to asbestos from a relative (e.g. from their overalls)
• Exposed to asbestos environmentally (e.g. lived near a factory using asbestos)
• Self-employed
• Those who can’t trace their exposure to asbestos

Jim Dobbin said: "It is very good news that the government has committed today [Tuesday 13 March] to speed up compensation for sufferers of mesothelioma in this area where many constituents have come into contact with asbestos.  Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease devastates the lives of people.  Currently too many people die before they get compensation, or they find they aren’t eligible because they contracted the disease from living near a factory or being exposed to a relative who worked there, rather than working at the factory themselves. 

"That is an awful injustice, so I welcome the government’s commitment to get legislation through Parliament so everyone with mesothelioma can claim, irrespective of their employment history."

Speaking at a mesothelioma summit in London, John Hutton said: "No amount of money will ever make up for the suffering and loss to individuals and families caused by mesothelioma. But no-one should have to worry that they or their family will have to wait years before they see a penny of compensation especially as in many of these cases people do not have years to wait.

"That’s why we’re 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."