Former BT worker gets asbestos cancer
A former BT engineer has received 'substantial' compensation
after his employers admitted exposing him to asbestos. Unite member
Vaughan Toms, 62, was diagnosed with the asbestos cancer
mesothelioma in November 2008 after complaining about being
breathless to his doctor. Mr Toms was exposed to asbestos while
working for BT between 1971 and 1980, installing cables during the
construction of telephone exchanges. As a self employed electrician
he had planned to continue work until he was 67. He said: 'I had
not given any thought to being exposed to asbestos until I was
diagnosed with mesothelioma. I had to give up work as soon as I was
diagnosed as I was too ill to continue. I was a fit and active man
and did not feel my age before then. I had hoped to work until I
was 67 and to support my son through university. This compensation
will help me to fulfil those plans. It has also meant that I can
pay for innovative treatment in Germany which may help to extend my
life.' Steve Hart from Unite said: 'Many of our members were
exposed to asbestos in the workplace and, like Mr Toms, were
unaware of the danger. While this compensation cannot make up for
his suffering the union has been there for him when he and his
family needed expert legal advice which has enabled him to achieve
peace of mind that his family are now provided for.'
