A victory for natural justice

They contracted debilitating, often fatal illnesses, as a direct result of the lack of protection afforded them at work.

This year around 5,000 people will die from asbestos-related diseases. By the end of the decade, the death rate is expected to be 10,000 a year.

In British legal history there can have been few more unequivocal cases for compensation.

It beggars belief that the victims of asbestosis and the relatives of those who have died from asbestosis have had to wait for a judgement from the highest court in the land.

It is despicable that employers and insurance firms were prepared to deny liability at every possible stage in the legal process.

Here we have super-rich companies prepared to use legal loopholes in an attempt to avoid making payments, which represent only a fraction of their resources.

They should be ashamed for trying to deny liability on the grounds that some people come into contact with asbestos at two or more employers premises.

They should be ashamed for being prepared to add to the pain and anguish of people who, through no fault of their own, become seriously ill because of the working conditions they had to endure.

They should be ashamed for the tragedy of hundreds of people who died fearing their families may not receive a penny.

It is a victory for natural justice that the law lords did not allow the companies to dodge their responsibilities.

They now have a duty to settle all outstanding claims in full, and settle them as swiftly as possible.

Taking the shirts off our backs

THE market in replica football shirts in this country is worth over £200m.

It exploits the loyalty of supporters and the pressure placed on parents by their children.

It is clear consumers are not getting value for money when shirts, which cost £7 each to make, are retailing at £40 or more.

If manufacturers, clubs and retailers are found to be making excessive profits out of this business then they should be penalised.