VICTIMS of asbestos-related illnesses could soon find themselves unable to claim compensation as new proposals are set to erase millions of employment records from history.

Under the proposed changes, Companies House would erase employment records from dissolved companies after only six years instead of the current 20.

The move has come under fierce criticism from campaigners who say it will cause serious problems for compensation claimants who would be unable to prove how and where they were exposed to the toxic material.

Bob Pointer, who has been part of the Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support Group since 2004, said: "We feel like we are just banging our heads against a brick wall.

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"It is not an easy subject to talk about and people get annoyed but we all know of someone who has been diagnosed.

"We need better publicity for the problems we face because if they are not publicised then no-one will know what we are up against and what we are trying to do.

"The issue is not going to go away."

Mr Pointer believes he was first exposed to asbestos during employment in the navy steelworks but wasn't aware of the health risks until years later.

The 68-year-old from Walney helps those who have been diagnosed and their families with all the legal paperwork needed for compensation claims as well as offering advice and support.

He is particularly concerned about the plans to reduce the time frame records will be held for.

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He added: "You don't think about it when you're younger, but if you cant find the records then you can't get a claim.

"This could affect short-term and temporary workers as they will erase their employment history. No proof of employment means they can't prove asbestosis."

Mr Pointer has also voiced his concerns about rumours of contaminated products still being imported from Russia and China despite the health and safety guidelines set out in the Rotterdam convention.

These issues will be discussed at the Absestos Sub-Committee meeting in the House of Commons this month.

If you or your family have been affected by asbestos related illnesses, please get in touch by calling 01229 840 132 or email news.em@cnmedia.co.uk

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