Health & Safety News Brief
Occupational Health & Safety Information Service
TUC welcomes reversal of Law Lords asbestos decision
The TUC on Monday 17 July 2006 warmly welcomed the Government's decision to reverse the effects of a recent House of Lords ruling that would have deprived hundreds of victims of asbestos and their dependants from their entitlement to full compensation.
Commenting on the decision to amend the Compensation Bill during its report stage to allow victims of mesothelioma to claim full damages, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "The Government is to be applauded for bringing forward this amendment so quickly.
They have taken decisive action to help protect one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
'While no amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss of a loved one from this dreadful disease, at least those who do make a successful claim against their employer will know that any settlement will not be reduced because one or more of their previous employers cannot be traced.'
Back in May, the TUC had 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.
All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk.