DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (HSE 1139) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 13 February 2009
Today the
Government has announced its intention to allow a group of Turner
and Newall (T&N) workers with asbestos related diseases to
keep their full Government compensation alongside that paid by the company.
The Government currently recovers the lump-sum amounts paid out
under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers' Compensation) Act
1979, to those who are suffering from asbestos-related diseases,
if they also receive reduced T&N compensation1.
However, the Government has decided to act so that those
receiving only a fraction of their full compensation from T&N
will no longer have their lump sum from the Government deducted.
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
said:
"It is important that these workers get all the
help they can, which is why I have taken this decision. We have
been in discussion with those representing the workers and have
decided not to make deductions any more. This will mean that
those people receiving only a fraction of their full compensation
will not be penalised further.
"We will work up the details of how this will be achieved
and implemented so that the changes can be brought into effect as
soon as possible."
-END-
DWP Press Office: 0203 267 5144
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
Notes to editors
1. Since of the collapse of Federal Mogul, the owners of T&N,
some former employees who developed an asbestos related disease,
may only be receiving reduced compensation from the T&N Trusts.