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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

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Government acts on asbestos illness

Issue date

26 Feb 2010

Government acts on asbestos illness

The Ministry of Justice has announced a range of measures to support people who have been exposed to asbestos. This follows a government consultation on how best to respond to a Law Lords' ruling of 17 October 2007, which decided pleural plaques - an asbestos-related condition - did not cause damage that should qualify for compensation. The government decision bars new claims for condition - only those whose unresolved claims were opened before the 2007 ruling will qualify for 'extra-statutory' payments of £5,000. The failure to reverse the Law Lords' ruling has been met with disappointment by personal injury lawyers and unions. However, other measures have been well received, including the creation of an Employers Liability Tracing Office to help people who develop an asbestos-related disease to trace the relevant insurer and obtain full compensation. The government statement also indicated that after completion of an ongoing consultation, an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB) would be created to act as 'a fund of last resort' for sufferers of asbestos-related disease who cannot trace the insurance records needed to gain compensation. There would also be increased upfront payments for sufferers of the aggressive and fatal asbestos cancer mesothelioma and their dependents. The government also said it would expand research on asbestos diseases, adding its support to £3 million funding to be provided by the insurance industry. Secretary of state Jack Straw said: 'We are firmly committed to supporting people with asbestos related diseases and intend to build on and extend the measures which we have already introduced in this area.' TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said the pleural plaques decision was 'disappointing' and was an issue the unions would not let drop. He added, however, 'the other measures announced will be of real benefit to those who develop a disease as a result of exposure to asbestos' and 'will help make a real difference.'

Ministry of Justice news release and statement from Jack Straw. DWP news release. TUC news release.

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