Thompsons welcomes the announcement of an Employer's Liability Insurance Bureau Scheme for mesothelioma claims.

The Department of Work and Pensions yesterday announced a £300 million fund of last resort for those sufferers of mesothelioma who have been unable to obtain compensation as their former employer or its liability insurers cannot be traced.  There are around 300 sufferers annually who are in the situation where they are unable to claim and lose out on compensation.

The scheme came into force on 25 July 2012 and is open to anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma from that date. The indications are that the first payments will be made by July 2014 although legislation is still to be put in place. Membership will be compulsory for all employers’ liability insurers.