Fresh Impetus In Pleural Plaques Campaign

Construction union UCATT have welcomed Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s commitment that there must be “fairness” when seeking a “resolution” for pleural plaques victims

The Prime Minister made his comments when Stephen Hepburn MP at asked him about the issue today’s (October 28) Prime Minister’s Question Time. Mr Hepburn, said: “Will the Prime minister ensure that any announcement by the Justice Secretary [Jack Straw] on pleural plaques will ensure a commitment that plaques victims past, present and future will be able to secure compensation.”

The Prime Ministers response came on the day of a lobby of Parliament organised by trade unions to once again highlight the plight of pleural plaques victims who have been denied compensation since a Law Lords ruling in 2007. Mr Brown also said he was looking forward to meeting of MPs on the matter which will be held tomorrow (October 29)

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: “UCATT welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to fairness on this matter. The only fair resolution is to restore the right to compensation and the establishment of liability for pleural plaques victims who have had their health needlessly damaged by negligent employers.”

Meanwhile UCATT have submitted proposals to Government ministers, which would reduce the role of mercenary, claims farmers and scan vans, in bringing forward pleural plaques claims.

Mr Ritchie, added: “It is essential that the Government brings forward proposals which reverse the Law Lords decision so that pleural plaques victims can claim compensation and the liability of negligent employers can be established. There is clearly a logjam, which has massively delayed the Government’s response; these problems must be resolved so that compensation can be restored. UCATT are entirely committed to working with the Government to resolve these issues.”

In order to create fresh impetus into the pleural plaques campaign UCATT have produced a new fact sheet. The fact sheet details the latest developments in the campaign and dispels many of the myths that surround pleural plaques.

Mr Ritchie, also said: “Vested interests have spun many lies and distortions about pleural plaques including the suggestion the condition is benign and causes no mental or physical harm. It is essential that everyone involved in the campaign makes sure that the truth is told and such untruths are not given credence.

For Further information contact Barckley Sumner on 0780 2329235

UCATT represents 125,000 members employed in the construction industry throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

Note to Editors: Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Victims develop some physical symptoms and often also develop severe mental trauma. Pleural plaques victims have a greatly increased possibility of developing the incurable lung cancer mesothelioma.

In July 2008 the Government launched a consultation on proposals to return compensation to pleural plaques victims. The consultation closed in October 2008. The Government initially promised a response by November 2008, after a response was not forthcoming, several other deadlines were fixed all of which have passed and the Government has still not formally responded to the consultation.