The trade union Unite has accused the insurance industry of fighting a "virulent" campaign against recognition of the asbestos-related condition pleural plaques.

The trade union Unite has accused the insurance industry of fighting a "virulent" campaign against recognition of the asbestos-related condition pleural plaques.

Representatives of the industry will give evidence to MSPs today arguing against the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill which seeks to overturn a controversial House of Lords ruling ending compensation for the lung-scarring condition.

In a written submission to the Holyrood justice committee, whose convener is Bill Aitken, Unite claims that the House of Lords decision "skewered 20 years of legal precedence which served to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques in the UK who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace."

The union adds: "It is clear that the UK insurance lobby has fought a virulent campaign to exempt and dilute their liability, and their clients' liability, for pleural plaques by blurring the lines between what is and what is not a genuine medical condition and illness.

"Insurers are claiming that the increase in pleural plaques cases is evidence of the so-called compensation culture, fuelled by schemes like scan vans' and opportunist law firms.

"The mantra from industry bodies such as the Association of British Insurers throughout has been to spin the line of a fight against a US-style compensation culture emerging in the UK."

Arguing firmly that the real cause of increased incidence was widespread and indiscriminate use of asbestos by many industries up until the early 1980, the union's submission states: "Unite is unequivocal in our anger over the industry's abandonment over their responsibility for a serious disease. Pleural plaques are brought about by exposure to asbestos.

"It is the calling card' for the development of more serious and terminal asbestos-related illnesses. It is only right that negligent employers who exposed workers to asbestos should be liable for the anxiety, pain (mental and physical) and the detriment in the quality of life sufferers of pleural plaques experience that their condition could develop into the fatal cancer mesothelioma.

"The House of Lords judgment has reinforced our view that insurers are simply placing profit before people."

It is estimated that around 200 actions are lodged in Scotland each year by those diagnosed with pleural plaques and until the Lords' ruling they could have expected compensation of up to £15,000.