Law lords summer date for bid to reinstate compensation for multi-site acquired asbestos-related pleural plaques

An appeal to the law lords to reinstate compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related condition pleural plaques, where it was acquired at more than one location, has been set for summer 2007.

Trade union Amicus and its lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, are preparing their case to appeal against an appeal court ruling made in March which stopped paying compensation to those with the condition.

The Court of Appeal overturned a previous decision by the High Court last year, where it was decided claimants with pleural plaques should continue to receive compensation. The appeal court decision was based on the fact that the claimants had worked for more than one employer and no single employer could be held liable.

In the past, claimants could receive compensation worth up to £15,000.

Derek Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, said: "People with pleural plaques should be compensated for the genuine injury that asbestos exposure has caused. That is why Amicus has pledged to take the lead to continue fighting on behalf of our members and all pleural plaques sufferers to get this cruel decision reversed."

The appeal to the House of Lords will be heard from 25 June to 2 July 2007.