Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what evidence is required for a former textile worker to demonstrate eligibility for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit where (a) exposure occurred several decades ago and (b) the employer has since ceased trading.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) may be payable to individuals who become disabled because of an accident at work or develop an illness because of their job. Accidents and diseases arising from self-employment are excluded.

There are several prescribed diseases that may apply to former textile workers depending on individual circumstances.

Eligibility is assessed in line with relevant legislation and requires:

• evidence of employment as an employed earner
• details of exposure to a relevant occupational hazard, and
• evidence of a loss of faculty persisting past the 90^th day

The Department may arrange a medical assessment, where necessary, to establish the extent of disablement.

Where exposure occurred many years ago, evidence may include historical employment records, National Insurance records, HMRC employment data, personal statements describing the nature of the work, and corroborative evidence from former colleagues or industry sources.

The fact that an employer has ceased trading does not affect eligibility for IIDB, as the benefit is paid by the Department rather than an employer.