"Dreadful" pleural plaques ruling

Unions have expressed their horror at a Court of Appeal ruling that denies workers with pleural plaques the right to compensation.

Pleural plaques are areas of thick scar tissue in the chest lining and diaphragm. Their presence indicates exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.

Last year the High Court decided that claimants with pleural plaques should receive compensation. But the Court of Appeal has overturned this ruling, ending the established right to compensation for pleural plaques and saving the insurance industry millions.

Professional union Amicus is now taking the case to the House of Lords.

“This judgement is dreadful and harms many of our members who have been exposed in their working lives to asbestos,” said general secretary Derek Simpson. “People with pleural plaques should be compensated, and we will fight on.”