Search

date: 13 June 2006

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcome for PM's announcement on asbestos

The TUC has today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement from the Prime Minister that the Government hopes to overturn the recent Barker judgement on the amount of compensation payable to the victims of mesothelioma and their families.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'If left to stand, this judgement would have meant that many victims of this dreadful disease would have either had to wait much longer for compensation, or have been denied their full entitlement.

'The Government is to be congratulated for doing the right thing and we hope that legislation will be introduced soon to end the wait and anxiety of those who have mesothelioma and their dependants.

Back in May, the TUC expressed disappointment at a House of Lords ruling which reduced the compensation received by two widows - Sylvia Barker and Mary Murray - whose husbands died from mesothelioma as a result of coming into contact with asbestos at work.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (200 words) issued 13 Jun 2006