Construction union UCATT have given a cautious welcome to a fresh delay in the Government's decision over whether thousands of pleural plaques sufferers will receive compensation.

The Government had promised to make a full announcement on the issue prior to the Parliamentary recess. However no announcement on pleural plaques compensation was made yesterday, the final day of Parliament before the summer recess.

It had been expected that the Government intended to announce a package of measures concerning pleural plaques. However in recent weeks fresh medical evidence has been published in the United States, which provides new information on physical pain experienced by pleural plaques sufferers. Justice Secretary Jack Straw, told the Commons that he would be "delighted to examine fresh medical evidence".

-- Advertisement --

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "While a further delay is frustrating, it is preferable that the Government make a fully informed decision. It is imperative that the Government utilises the latest delay to fully assess the new medical evidence. UCATT will be making representations to the Government to ensure this occurs."

In a statement to the Commons Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced Government funding of a National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease (NCARD), a register for pleural plaques suffers, faster payments for mesothelioma sufferers and the possible establishment of an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB).

UCATT have been campaigning for the establishment of an ELIB since raising the matter at the 2008 Labour Party Conference. It would operate in a similar way to the existing Motor Insurance Bureau. All insurers would pay money into the scheme, if someone developed mesothelioma but the relevant insurers could not be traced the victim would still receive compensation.

Mr Ritchie, added: "The establishment of an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau would be a huge step forward. Far too many mesothelioma victims die in agony and are even denied the comfort of receiving compensation. An ELIB would end the lottery of compensation being reliant on whether insurers can be identified."

(CD/JM)