Scots get new law on pleural plaques

Plans by the Scottish government to compensate workers suffering from asbestos-related conditions, such as pleural plaques have been welcomed by unions.

The Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. The law, expected to come into force next year, will overturn a House of Lords ruling, which has stripped pleural plaque sufferers of compensation.

However, the law will only apply in Scotland. Unions want the approach implemented across the rest of the UK. John McClean, safety officer of the GMB general union, told the government to “stop pussyfooting around” and “ensure that the compensation is as simple and straight forward as possible”.