TUC Fringe Event Taking Place Next Week

A Trades Union Congress fringe event is being held next week to discuss what can be done to ensure victims of asbestos-related disease are able to benefit from an ‘agenda for justice’.

Asbestos Victims – An Agenda For Justice is taking place on Monday (September 8th) at 1pm in Hall 13 of the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool, examining what support can be provided to those who suffer from mesothelioma and other illnesses linked to asbestos exposure.

Chaired by Unite the Union’s political director Jennie Formby, the event will feature speakers such as shadow minister for work and pensions Kate Green, Tony Whitson of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK and Marie Hughes of the Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group.

The meeting will look at how recent changes have impacted on access to justice for asbestos victims and what steps should be taken to ensure that those affected by asbestos-related illness can get the support and justice they deserve.

Expert Opinion

The Government has faced criticism in recent months relating to its approach to the issue of asbestos-related disease, with a Justice Select Committee inquiry going so far as to draw attention to its links and closeness to the Association of British Insurers. <br/> <br/>"It was very welcome to see plans shelved which would have seen a proportion of legal costs incurred by mesothelioma sufferers coming out of the damages they have been awarded, with further consultation being undertaken. <br/> <br/>"Mesothelioma sufferers and other victims of asbestos-related disease have already paid the ultimate price, so it is incredibly disappointing that there have been many attacks on access to justice in this area over recent years. <br/> <br/>"As a result of our work on behalf of thousands of asbestos victims, we believe it is vital that the Government ensures the legal process always operates in the best interests of those affected by asbestos-related disease and we will continue to campaign to ensure their voices are heard." Adrian Budgen - Partner