A retired Unite member was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer, because he was exposed to asbestos while working as an electrician in the 1960s and 1970s. With the support of Unite Legal Services, he has received substantial compensation.
The member was exposed to asbestos throughout his career. As an apprentice, he laid cables in a basement where others were applying asbestos lagging to pipes. Later, working for a different employer, he regularly came into contact with asbestos repairing gantry cranes.
The member said: “I am so grateful to Unite Legal Services for helping me obtain the compensation that will support me and my family financially as we struggle to come to terms with my diagnosis. The union was really there for me when I needed it most. And it really did take a weight off my mind, and my family, knowing that Unite Legal Services would look after everything to do with the claim so that we would receive full compensation.”
Annmarie Kilcline, Unite regional secretary, said: “The sheer tragedy of another member being struck down by this terrible disease, mesothelioma, cannot be overstated. With the free, specialist support the member received from Unite Legal Services, the claim against his employers has been dealt with very efficiently. He has received full, substantial compensation during his lifetime and the peace of mind knowing that his family is now provided for financially.”
