Mesothelioma Compensation Proposal's
Secretary of State for Works and Pensions John Hutton sets proposals to provide faster compensation to all people with mesothelioma.
The DWP mesothelioma summit in London on 13 March 2007 announced new proposals on improving State benefits for mesothelioma sufferers. The Government's proposals for reform include a revised version of the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 which will break the occupational link so that everyone with mesothelioma will be eligible for payment, irrespective of their employment status or history, provided they have not already received compensation. The aim is to make this up-front lump sum payment (currently averaging about £17,000) available to all mesothelioma sufferers within six weeks from notification of the claim to the DWP. The new system will require primary legislation but the Government is committed to bringing it into effect during 2008.
