A WORKERS' resource centre is launching a regionwide campaign to gain justice for victims of industrial diseases.

Cleveland Trade Unionists and Unemployed Workers Resource Centre, in Middlesbrough, has joined forced with a Newcastle law firm to offer a unique service for those affected by hazardous jobs.

Starting from next month, it plans to hold meetings at social clubs all over Teesside, where victims of diseases like asbestosis, industrial deafness and vibration white finger will be assessed on their chances of making successful claims.

Those who pass the interview stage will be provided with free transport to Newcastle, where law firm Industrial Diseases Compensation will arrange for x-rays to be carried out.

Once illness is proven, the firm will represent people against their former employers in court on a no-win, no-fee basis.

It will charge a maximum commission of £300 if the case is successful.

Bob Duffy, the resource centre's coordinator, said one of the system's main advantages will be speeding up the long wait for examinations.

"It will mean people will not face the long wait that they would have had with the social security department, which is one of the main obstacles to making a claim," he said.

Mr Duffy said he was confident the resource centre could gain compensation for workers because of its track record.

"However, as soon as we started having a lot of success, the Government began putting restrictions on us, so we had to stop."

Mr Duffy urged those who feel they might be eligible for claims to respond to adverts for meetings