Mesothelioma Bill welcomed but still room for improvement, says Northern TUC Asbestos Group

date: 16^th May 2013

embargo: for immediate release

Mesothelioma Bill welcomed but still room for improvement, says Northern TUC Asbestos Group

The introduction of new compensation arrangements for mesothelioma victims was announced in the Queen's Speech earlier this month. The current proposal will mean a payment of between £100,000 and £200,000 being made to 300 people every year - who previously would have received nothing.

The original proposal for this scheme came from the TUC in 2007 and sought for the compensation to cover all claims where the insurer could not be traced. The government's current proposal only covers mesothelioma and not all occupational diseases.

Micky Blench, Chair of the Northern TUC Asbestos Support and Campaign Group said: 'A massive 250-300 of the new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year will be in the northern region, so this is very much an important ongoing issue for us. Comprehensive legislation to ensure people are supported and cared for through some of their darkest hours is vital.

'Whilst the new proposals are most definitely a move in the right direction for the very deserving sufferers blighted by mesothelioma, it also underpins the reason for Groups like ours to exist. We will continue to campaign actively for improvements to widen the scope of the Bill to secure equal treatment for all asbestos victims and provide free, on-the-ground, practical support for victims of all occupational diseases and their families. Last year alone the work of our Group secured over £1 million in welfare support for those who accessed the service.'

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Media contacts:

Tom Ross T: 0191 227 5555 M: 07919174202 E: tross@tuc.org.uk

Micky Blench, GMB T: ??????