Anger over payoff snub to victims of asbestos

Experts estimate up to 25,000 could be denied full justice because they will fail to meet the criteria in a Bill going through Parliament.

The Government boasted its new scheme would help the thousands who developed lung cancer through asbestos exposure but cannot trace their former employer’s insurer.

However, new rules mean it will apply only to those diagnosed after July 25, 2012. It will also exclude many asbestos-related diseases such as the potentially fatal lung condition asbestosis.

Last night victims and lawyers condemned the move. Lorraine Berry, 48, a former finance manager from High Wych, Hertfordshire, will miss out on compensation because she falls three months outside the time limit.

She was diagnosed with the incurable cancer mesothelioma in April 2012 and is outraged to be penalised by the arbitrary cut-off. The mother-of-four said: “It is totally wrong that the Mesothelioma Bill will simply not provide for thousands of victims and their families.

“I can no longer work because I am so ill. Rather than helping asbestos victims it is robbing us of our final chance to seek justice.”

Rosemary Giles, of law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: “The victims of this horrible disease feel it is very unfair that there is this cut-off.” Labour MP Paul Goggins added: “All these people would have been protected by employers’ insurance liability and so they should be fully compensated.” The multi-million-pound package is funded by the insurance industry. Critics have also attacked the scheme for paying just 70 per cent of the compensation available if a worker had proof of insurance cover.

The Department for Works and Pensions said: “There has to be a cut-off point and we think going back to 2012 is fair. Many people in the future will benefit. Sadly this disease has not peaked.”