E1 Pleural plaques

Submitted by Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

Congress notes that the Government was due to announce its decision on whether to restore compensation for pleural plaques victims by 21 July 2009, the last day of Parliament before the summer recess, but that no announcement was forthcoming.

The Scottish Parliament has already reversed the Law Lords’ judgement on pleural plaques and the Northern Ireland Executive is committed to following suit.

Congress believes the Government have exaggerated their own liability, should there be a reinstatement of compensation for pleural plaques.

Congress regrets to learn that it is currently not the Government’s intention to restore the right to claim compensation for victims of pleural plaques. This will create a postcode lottery with victims in England and Wales being denied compensation.

Congress further notes that recent new research by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute shows a clear link between pleural plaques and physical pain.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign:

i)        to persuade the Government fully to overturn the Law Lords’ decision on pleural plaques, allowing victims to seek compensation and identify the company(ies) and insurer(s) who are liable for their injuries

ii)      to undertake work with supportive backbench MPs to seek a parliamentary solution to the pleural plaques issue, if the Government declines to overturn the Law Lords’ ruling.

iii)    for further research to be undertaken to better understand the physical and mental damage caused by pleural plaques.