The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a major compensation package for individuals suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The package will provide financial support for those affected by the diseases, which can include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.
The package, which will be administered by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), will be available to both those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and those whose conditions have been caused by asbestos exposure. Those who are eligible for compensation will receive a one-off payment of up to £85,000, depending on the severity of their condition.
The package is the result of a long campaign by campaigners and asbestos victims. Over the years, asbestos victims have been forced to seek compensation through the courts, with some cases taking years to resolve. The DWP’s package will make it easier to obtain financial support.
The package is part of a wider effort to improve the lives of asbestos victims. In addition to the financial support, the DWP is also providing medical support, including access to specialist medical advice and counselling, as well as access to specialist services such as the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council.
The DWP has said that the package is only the first step in helping asbestos victims, and that it plans to review the package and develop further support in the future. The package is a welcome step forward in providing much needed support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases.