MSPs SNUB BILL TO AID STARS WITH DEMENTIA

Law would have supported claimants seeking industrial injuries payment

- PAUL HUTCHEON

MSPs have been slammed for blocking a Bill which could help retired footballers with dementia receive benefit payments.

A Holyrood committee gave a red card to the plan despite widespread support from trade unions.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin said: "It is bitterly disappointing that the voices of workers injured at work who support this Bill haven't been listened to." The Scottish Government has committed to providing a new industrial injuries benefit but no start date has been provided.

Campaigners hope the devolved benefit will modernise the payments system for people injured at work expanding the list of illnesses included.