Along with many others, St Albans MP Anne Main is demanding more action against the lack of compensation for veterans suffering from asbestos-related cancer.
Until recently, personnel who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the armed forces prior to 1987 could not claim compensation that matched up to their civilian counterparts if they were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. To put it into perspective, a veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma, a typically fatal cancer of the lungs and stomach lining caused by exposure to asbestos, could be left £150,000 worse off than a civilian counterpart.
One of the many people urging for fairer compensation is Fred Minall, an armed forces veteran. Originally from Wheathampstead, Mr Minall served in the Navy for just under a decade, working as a mechanical engineer. Unfortunately, his job entailed removing and replacing asbestos-based insulation material from machinery and steam pipes.
Nearly 60 years down the line, Mr Minall has been diagnosed with the aforementioned mesothelioma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He urged other veteran readers of the Herts Advertiser – which reported the story – to be aware of the disease.
While undergoing treatment, Mr Minall worked closely with the Royal British Legion to campaign in support of a fairer compensation scheme.
Thankfully, the Government has now stated that all veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after 16th December 2015 will be offered a choice of receiving a traditional War Pension or £140,000 in lump sum compensation.
However, there is still more work to be done. Anne Main, while praising the Government’s correction of the pension situation, stressed that there are still over 50 veterans who are already part of the War Disablement pension scheme and who will be unable to apply for the new lump sum compensation award.
Due to the slowly-emerging nature of asbestos-related diseases, many of the tragic stories of victims and sufferers are only just coming to light now. Asbestos is still out there, so here at Salvum, we would always urge that you do everything possible to maximise the safety of your workplace.
For more information on asbestos surveys, raising asbestos awareness or on the many other services that we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
