Government measures to speed up compensation
21 Jul 06
Insurance claim handlers to give priority to mesothelioma claims
The Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton has unveiled a series of measures to help these suffering from cancer caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace.
Mr Hutton's written ministerial statement includes proposals to ensure sufferers of mesothelioma receive compensation money before they die. Interim measures to speed up claims will be put into place immediately.
About 1,800 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, with sufferers typically dying within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis.
Under the new proposals, insurance claim handlers will be told to prioritise claims for mesothelioma sufferers, and the Department for Work and Pensions will work with HM Revenues & Customs so that employer records can be traced quickly.
Alex Cunningham of the Clydebank Asbestos Group welcomed the news, saying it was one of the few occasions where the government had actually worked for the benefit of sufferers.