People suffering from cancer caused by exposure to asbestos are being told to claim compensation they are entitled to.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it is waiting for hundreds of victims suffering from diffuse mesothelioma to come forward to claim their rightful pay-out.
So far, £15m has been paid by the insurance industry, but it is estimated that £32 million could be paid out by the end of March 2015.
The new package of support opened in April this year and is available to sufferers of diffuse mesothelioma who were diagnosed after July 25, 2012, or families of sufferers who have died and who cannot trace a liable employer or an employer’s insurer.
DWP minister Lord Freud said: “For years, many victims of this truly terrible disease have been failed by successive governments and the insurance industry. We are ending an injustice that has left many victims and their families without financial support.
“This scheme is already up and running but we know that there are many more victims and their families who could receive compensation averaging £125,000 and I encourage them to come forward.”
Details of the government compensation scheme and how to apply are available on www.mesoscheme.org.uk and on 0131 331 9090.
