Tradespersons who have taken plumber or electrician training courses could find a new consultation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) beneficial.

It was announced yesterday (February 10th) that the body is planning on creating an Employers' Liability Tracing Office, which would make it easier for workers who have suffered as a result of a serious industrial disease to track down their employers' insurance records.

Furthermore, it has proposed the provision of an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau (Elib) to fund those who still cannot find their details.

Commenting on the news, general secretary of the Union for Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) Alan Ritchie said: "The Government's announcement is excellent news and an important step forward. Far too often workers develop life-threatening illnesses because employers have failed to provide adequate protection from harmful substances."

Ucatt has led the campaign for the Elib after calling for its creation at them 2008 Labour Party Conference in Manchester.

It has since frequently lobbied the government on the matter.

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