Welcome to Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group
(GMAVSG)
Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims
Support Group (GMAVSG) is a registered charity ( Reg. Charity No. 1113201)
established by asbestos victims to provide advice, information and support for
people with asbestos-related diseases.
Remembering Nancy Tait MBE Hon DUniv
Obituary
Latest News and Important Events
Breathtaking Cycle to raise awareness of mesothelioma
Three asbestos campaigners, Katrina London, Paul Granville and Jason Addy have commenced a breathtaking cycle from Glasgow to Southampton to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to call for government funded research into this terrible disease. They will be stopping at asbestos ‘hot spots’ on route (see link) and will be met by asbestos victims and supporters to publicise the aims of the cycle (see photos and reports)
For up to date details log on to . . . www.breathtaking-journey.com
Donate at . . . www.justgiving.com/breathtakingjourney
To print out a flyer (3 Mb pdf.) . . . Cycle flyer.
9th June, 2009. An open letter to the Association of British Insurers
In a protest by asbestos victims an open letter view was handed to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) at their conference condemning insurers' refusal to honour their liability to pay compensation to dying asbestos victims and in support of the All Party Parliamentary Group demand for an insurance of last resort view .
For a press release go to view
Government allows T&N Claimants to Keep Lump Sum Payments.
The government has announced that it will now allow T&N claimants to keep lump sum payments as well as the small
payments from the T&N Funds. This welcome decision was announced on the 13th February.
Government press statement click here
Action Mesothelioma Day: Call for Government Funded Mesothelioma Research
Action Mesothelioma Day 27th February was inaugurated by the British Lung Foundation and supporting organisations. Each year events are held throughout the country to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to promote the Mesothelioma Charter
For report of Action Mesothelioma Day, Manchester click here
For report of Action Mesothelioma Day throughout the country click here
HSE Asbestos Campaign
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to warn maintenance workers of the dangers of asbestos in buildings today.
For information about the campaign go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/index.htm
For information about essential precautions to prevent exposure to asbestos at work go to:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/index.htm
Government U-turn on employers' liability insurance hits asbestos victims
The government has laid an order before Parliament to revoke the requirement, introduced 9 years ago, to require employers to retain employers' liability insurance (EL Insurance) policies for 40 years.
The 40-year rule was introduced because hundreds of asbestos victims each year do not get compensation because they cannot trace the insurers of employers who have ceased trading. It is imperative that government establishes a central electronic database for the compulsory recording of all employers' liability insurance policies.
We call on the government to establish an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau to provide insurance of last resort as is provided to motor accident victims under the Motor Insurers Bureau. We see no reason why asbestos victims should be treated less favourably than motor accident victims.
Please see the Forum Statement . . . . click here
The insurers' attempt to deny asbestos victims compensation has failed....for now.
The insurers' attempt to deny asbestos victims compensation has failed.
A High Court judgment said that insurers of companies during the period when exposure to asbestos occurred are responsible for paying compensation - not insurers of companies during the period when an asbestos disease develops many years later. This judgment simply confirms what has been the practice for many years. If the judge had ruled otherwise, hardly any asbestos victims would receive compensation because most companies who expose people to asbestos have ceased trading and there simply will be no insurer to claim against.
NB
However, this decision has now been appealed and claimants must continue to wait for the final judgement
To read the Press Release ....click here
To read the judgement please go to this link here
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2008/2692.html
House of Lords End Compensation for Pleural Plaques
The Law Lords have upheld a Court of Appeal
decision to end compensation for pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are
thickening of the lung pleura, a two layered membrane surrounding the lungs,
caused by asbestos fibres. People who have pleural plaques have a heightened
risk of developing a fatal asbestos disease in the future. Compensation has
been paid for over 20 years for the anxiety and fear that a diagnosis of
pleural plaques causes. This judgment will cause anger and dismay to thousands
of people who live each day with this fear. The Greater Manchester Victims Support
Group is calling on MPs of all parties to overturn this appalling
decision in Parliament.
Pleural Plaques Consultation Paper
Mesothelioma sufferers have featured in a DVD especially produced by the
Asbestos Victims Support Groups' Forum
This is their message in their words, speaking for all mesothelioma sufferers and their families: Awareness -Prevention - Action.
For copies of the DVD ( these cost £5.60 - inc. P&P ), please e-mail us at : asbestos.gmavsg@virgin.net
More information is provided on www.actionmeso.info