Workers set to lose cash fight

Lorraine Tinney Lorraine Tinney - 1626 • Published 17 Oct 2007 10:10

INVERCLYDE shipyard workers who fell victim to industry-related lung damage are set to lose their compensation battle today.

The Telegraph understands the House of Lords will today reject the workers" case in favour of insurance giant Norwich Union.

The controversial claim centres on sufferers of pleural plaques - a scarring of the lung caused by asbestos.

Many victims end up with mesothelioma - an aggressive and fatal cancer of the lung lining.

The ruling is expected to mean victims will no longer be entitled to compensation.

And it will reverse a 30-year precedent set by the Court of Session to uphold claims for compensation to victims of pleural plaques.

MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, says the Scottish Parliament now needs to work fast to close this legal loophole.

He said: 'The Scottish Parliament has a good track record of changing the law, closing loopholes and getting justice for asbestos victims.

'The laws of Scotland will now need to be changed to specify that pleural plaques is a disease for which victims can be compensated.

'It would only take a quick, short Government Bill.'

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 17 Oct 07

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