The government delighted campaigners for justice for the victims of asbestos by rushing through an amendment to the compensation bill which had the effect of reversing a House of Lords ruling which would have reduced the amount of compensation received by many victims of asbestos or their dependents. The law lords had ruled that, if more than one employer had exposed a worker to asbestos then anyone who contracted mesothelioma would have to sue all their employers separately, despite the fact that exposure may have happened over a 50 year period and that many of the former employers may no longer be traceable. Following the ruling, made in May this year, trade unions, victim support groups, and lawyers urged the government to reverse this ruling.

Within weeks the government had announced it was to bring in an amendment to the compensation bill as soon as possible to ensure that the claimant could recover full compensation from any relevant employer. The amendment was introduced into the House of Commons on 16th July and supported by all parties. It was then adopted by the House of Lords two days later and is expected to receive Royal Ascent on 25th July.

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Source: TUC