Payouts ended for asbestos workers

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Union leaders and lawyers attacked the decision to end claims for pleural plaques, usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

The decision removes an established right to compensation which had existed for 20 years and will lead to "massive savings" for insurance firms, said unions.

The Law Lords ruled that pleural plaques was not a disease.

Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, said: "This is a harsh decision which will affect thousands of people with pleural plaques now and in the future.

"The judgment will disadvantage many of our members who have been exposed to asbestos in their work by denying them the right to sue their former employers for developing pleural plaques.

"Unite will continue to fight to recoup damages for those people who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions."

Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, added: "This decision is very disappointing for the thousands of people who are living with the worry of knowing that their lungs have been scarred by asbestos.

"They will be baffled and offended that the House of Lords has decided that pleural plaques is not worthy of any compensation."

The Law Lords on Wednesday rejected an appeal by the union against an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal in January 2006.