Steelworkers in landmark legal battle

Former North-East steelworkers who have suffered serious ill-health through exposure to toxic gases and chemicals, are to launch a landmark legal bid for compensation.

The workers involved will join several hundred other steelworkers – and families of men who have already passed away – in seeking compensation for severe health problems.

Some of the conditions of particular concern are skin cancer, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Families of those who have already died from industrial disease described this most recent legal action as "long overdue."

The steelworks at Consett closed in 1980, but the town's MP Pat Glass said local people were still suffering as a result of their time there. She said "At times almost every family in Consett had at least one member working at the Consett Steel works and 'the works' while it gave jobs and dignity to the town, took a heavy long term toll in terms of people's health."

As British Steel no longer exists, the action is expected to be taken against Tata Steel, which took over the Teesside site from Corus in 2007.

If you have suffered ill health due to your work, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our experts on 0800 811 844 or email us at compensation@mellorhargreaves.co.uk and we will call you back.

Mellor Hargreaves Ltd

Oldham Industrial Disease Solicitors