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Trade unions, individuals and campaign groups are today celebrating a Supreme Court ruling which upheld a trade union appeal and rejected arguments by insurance companies which would have denied compensation to victims of the terminal disease mesothelioma, contracted through exposure to asbestos.

date: 28th March 2012

embargo: for immediate release

Trade unions, individuals and campaign groups are today celebrating a Supreme Court ruling which upheld a trade union appeal and rejected arguments by insurance companies which would have denied compensation to victims of the terminal disease mesothelioma, contracted through exposure to asbestos.

Commenting on the ruling, Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:

'This is the best possible outcome for the thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases every year - and their families who have to endure the pain and suffering with them. It was a nonsense that this ever had to be taken to the Supreme Court in the first place and we are delighted that common sense - and decency has prevailed.'

Micky Blench of the GMB, and Chair of the Northern TUC Asbestos Support Group said: 'Thousands upon thousands of asbestos victims across the region and the country have just breathed a very difficult sigh of relief. Sufferers of mesothelioma and other debilitating asbestos-related diseases should not have had the legitimacy of their very deserved right to compensation questioned in such a callous manner.

'Our work in the region strives to make a difficult situation a little easier; offering help, support and advice for all involved and this ruling will go a long way to making that service even more effective so people can get the help they badly need.'



NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Northern TUC press releases www.tuc.org.uk/northern national releases www.tuc.org.uk and www.twitter.com/tucnews

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

- For TUC advice and information on the world of work www.workSMART.org.uk

Media contacts:

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional Secretary T: 0191 227 5565; M: 07766250074; E: krowan@tuc.org.uk

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