Background to the Act Mesothelioma
8.In July 2006 the Secretary of State announced a number of interim measures to ensure faster compensation payments to sufferers of mesothelioma, and his intention to put in place a long term solution to pay compensation in life wherever possible.
9.A consultation followed this announcement, a summary of which was published by the Government in March 2007.
10.In March 2007, the Secretary of State announced proposals to provide faster compensation to all those diagnosed with mesothelioma, providing up-front financial support within six weeks to those who were exposed to asbestos outside the workplace.
11.The Secretary of State also announced that the cost of this proposal would be met through compensation recovery whereby payments under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 and the newly proposed scheme are recovered if a civil claim for compensation is subsequently successful. Payments under the new scheme would initially correspond to what can be afforded out of the projected compensation recovery amounts, and would increase as those funds allow.