Mesothelioma Scheme payments increase

The Government has announced that lump sum payments from the 2008 Mesothelioma Scheme will increase by around 40% from April to the same level as those paid under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979. This will mean that individuals who develop the disease from asbestos exposure outside the workplace will receive the same payment as those exposed at work. People can develop the disease if, for example, they lived close to an asbestos factory or by washing their partner’s clothes if their partner was exposed to asbestos.