Pleural plaques sufferers 'should be compensated'

A grandfather who has pleural plaques has stated his belief that people in his situation should receive compensation.

Roland Porritt said it does not make sense that sufferers in England are not entitled to claim money for the condition, the Evening Chronicle reports.

His comments come a year after people living in Scotland who have the medical complaint were granted the right to receive cash.

He remarked: "You look at Scotland getting compensation, you just think, don't we belong to the same country? Aren't we all part of Britain anymore?"

According to the 73-year-old, the conditions he worked in were "terrible" and employers would never get away with them today.

Mr Porritt said: "I think the employers owe us compensation now."

A form of scarring of the outer lining of the lungs, pleural plaques is evidence of previous exposure to asbestos and those who have the condition often become concerned they will go on to develop other diseases, such as mesothelioma.