Workers and their unions will make yet another attempt to persuade government to overturn a two-year old ruling by the Law Lords which ended compensation to workers suffering from work-induced asbestos diseases.
Unite, the UK's biggest union, which has many members suffering from asbestos-related illnesses, denounced the Lords' ruling but has also expressed anger at the government's failure to overturn it, fearing that many of the victims will not live to see justice done and will end their days struggling to make ends meet. The union wants the government to use the time before the election to restore compensation for the victims.
Since the Law Lords ruled in 2007 to end compensation, unions have been pushing the government to act by either overturning the decision and restoring the compensation system, or establishing an alternative system of recompense.
A joint union rally in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, will be held at 4pm today, to once again call on Justice Minister Jack Straw to end the added suffering for the workers.
Ahead of the rally, Tony Woodley, Unite Joint General Secretary, said: "These men and women went to work healthy but came home carrying a ticking time bomb and a high risk of full blown lung cancer. Compensation, while it will not restore their health, goes some way towards easing the anguish for them and their families. It is scandalous, then, that we must continue to fight for justice when the chief worry for them and their families is whether they're going to live long enough to benefit from it.
"Three unelected Law Lords, who I'm willing to bet have never witnessed a member of their family suffering from this evil disease, decided that pleural plaques is no longer a compensatable disease. Shamefully, this government is letting this ruling stand so that they can save £35 million a year and, in doing so, is letting the greedy insurance industry dodge its duty to these people so it can pocket £1.4 billion.
"But this isn't just about money, it's about justice and it's about employers accepting their liability for the pain, the anguish and even the deaths that they have caused. I expect Jack Straw and a Labour government to show working people the government is on their side, to do so before the next election, and overturn the Law Lords' decision now."
(CD/KMcA)
Construction News
28/10/2009
Workers Lobby Parliament To End Scandal Of Lords' Asbestos Ruling
.gif)

04/07/2025
JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years.
The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process i

04/07/2025
Work has officially started on preparing Eston Precinct for demolition, marking the first step in a major regeneration project led by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver the scheme, which will begin with the safe removal of asbestos and the soft strip

04/07/2025
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero hasgranted development consent for the Mona Offshore Wind Farm.
The scheme, located in the Irish Sea, will deliver approximately 1,500MW of clean energy capacity and forms part of the Round 4 Offshore Wind Licensing Arrangements. The applicati

04/07/2025
The restoration of Chatham’s iconic Brook Theatre is officially underway, with the appointment of contractors to carry out the £21 million transformation of the 125-year-old building.
Originally opened in 1899 as Chatham Town Hall, the Grade II listed Renaissance-style landmark has served the commu

04/07/2025
Work to upgrade a flood-prone section of Stockbridge Road in Timsbury is set to begin later this month, as part of a joint project between the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council to improve local flood defences.
Starting on 28 July, the five-week scheme will deliver vital improvements a

04/07/2025
Oldham's town centre regeneration has taken a major step forward, with planning consent now granted for all six sites earmarked for transformation through the partnership between Muse and Oldham Council.
The approval represents a significant milestone in the long-term vision to create a vibrant, in

04/07/2025
As temperatures soared during this week's heatwave, euroloo's innovative EcoWelfare units proved to be a game-changer on construction and outdoor sites across the country.
Designed with comfort and sustainability in mind, these multi-functional welfare units offer everything teams need to stay pro

04/07/2025
Atlas Site Engineering, a trusted name in precision setting out and site engineering services, continues to support the construction industry with expert solutions ranging from small residential extensions to multi-storey high-rise developments.
With a reputation for accuracy and reliability, Atlas

03/07/2025
Associated British Ports (ABP) has submitted a reserved matters application for 103,000 sq ft of speculative industrial and logistics space at Helm @ Immingham.
This marks the first phase of development at the 227-acre site.
The scheme will deliver a range of purpose-built units from 4,820 sq ft

03/07/2025
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is set to begin a major new phase of energy efficiency upgrades this month, with a £6.1 million investment aimed at improving 645 homes across the borough.
Starting 14 July, properties in Abbey Hills, Roundthorn, Shaw, and several estates in Chadderton will receive