CAA welcome news that the UK government is to introduce a compulsory scheme set up to to pay compensation in cases where employers’ liability insurance cannot be traced.

“I’m so proud to have been honoured in this way but proudest of all to have been able to represent those who suffer from an asbestos related disease and their families.”

Clydeside Action on Asbestos, which is fighting for payouts for thousands of workers who contracted mesothelioma, has accused insurance companies of using “underhand tactics” to have compensation claims thrown out of court.

Clydeside Action on Asbestos has branded the insurance industry “callous” and “heartless” for using a legal tactic to avoid paying compensation to dying asbestos victims.

The BBC has reported that the UK government is to exempt mesothelioma victims from changes to no-win no-fee legislation which were originally contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.

The Supreme Court has ruled that insurers are liable to pay compensation. The ruling means that those who were exposed to asbestos while working for companies which subsequently went bust are entitled to pursue compensation.