Published: Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010 8:43am

New support for asbestos victims

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Des Browne and Cathy Jamieson today welcomed a multi-million pound package of vital support that the Labour Government is extending to people whose health has been put at risk due to exposure to asbestos.

Responding to the Government's decision, Des said: "I am delighted that Labour is building on its record of support for asbestos victims with this announcement. People who have been exposed to asbestos at work deserve to receive the compensation they are owed swiftly."

Cathy Jamieson said: "These significant new measures are about supporting workers who have been damaged during their working lives. I am pleased that this announcement will also ensure there will be fixed payments for people with pleural plaques who had cases in the pipeline before the Law Lords ruling in 2007, and had until this week been left in limbo. I urge anyone that is in that category to visit www.justice.gov.uk/about/pleural-plaques.htm information on how to apply."

This includes action to help people with asbestos related diseases to claim compensation, increase their upfront payments, and work towards a fund of last resort for people diagnosed with a serious asbestos-related illness who cannot trace their insurance records.