THE government u-turn on court fees for mesothelioma victims is great news, UKATA is delighted to see common sense prevail.

The news that mesothelioma sufferers contracting the killer disease as a result of negligent employers will not now have to pay thousands of pounds in legal fees to bring a claim, is brilliant news for those living with asbestos-related cancers.

The Secretary of State for Justice, Michael Gove, conceded defeat over two pieces of legislation aimed at forcing victims to pay £10,000 just to go to court to claim compensation for criminal negligence.

This legislation took no account of the unique position and reduced life expectancy of innocent victims with asbestos related diseases.

Forcing them to use funds essential for their care would inevitably mean less of them would be inclined to go to court and the secretary of state’s u-turn is a victory for common sense.

If the government wishes to cut the costs associated with such claims, the long term solution is to tackle the issue of asbestos in the workplace and the ongoing negligence of employers, many of whom the HSE continues to prosecute.

Asbestos remains a serious problem and dealing with asbestos without proper training remains a fatal mistake.

UKATA sets standards in asbestos training and ensures that its members meet those standards.

Our members are delivering asbestos awareness, non-licensable and licensable training nationwide and a full list of approved asbestos training providers near you can be found on the UKATA website, ukata.org.uk

Craig Evans
The UK Asbestos Training Association