Pleural plaque sufferers ‘should be able to get compensation’

Posted 21/07/2009

A retired Norwich man who was exposed to asbestos during his career has urged the government to let people in his situation claim compensation.

David Brown is a pleural plaque sufferer, which means he could go on to develop life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

However, people with pleural plaques in England are currently not allowed to claim compensation for the industrial disease they have to live with.

Mr Brown has therefore called on the government to revise the existing rules and allow sufferers the chance to obtain damages.

“It is an industrial disease which happened and shouldn’t have and there should be the opportunity to claim compensation,” he insisted.

Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, he added that he would be “delighted” if the government decides in his favour.

Meanwhile, Alan Ritchie of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians has warned that if workers are denied compensation, it will be seen as a “massive betrayal”.

He told the Guardian that pleural plaque sufferers were negligently exposed to asbestos and now live with the fear of developing a fatal illness.

The government has said its decision on the issue will be announced after the parliamentary summer recess, as it needs more time to consider the matter.