Proposed Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill
In January 2021, APIL responded to a consultation launched by Scottish Labour MSP Mark Griffin on Proposed Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill.
APIL's response can be read here.
Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021
The Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 introduces a redress scheme for some surivors of child abuse in Scotland. Survivors of child abuse in care will be able to apply for a fixed rate redress payment of £10,000, or an individually assessed redress payment depending on their circumstances. The Scottish Government will seek financial contributions to the scheme from those organisations involved in the care of children at the time they were abused. To accept a payment, however, survivors will be required to a sign a waiver which would prevent them from pursing a separate civil claim against those organisations which will make financial contributions to the scheme.
To ask survivors of child abuse to waive their legal right to a claim for compensation is contrary to the Scottish Government's declared policy objective of increased support for survivors.
APIL provided both written evidence and oral evidence to the Education and Skills Committee of the Scottish Parliament.
APIL's written evidence can be read here.
A transcript of oral evidence, in which APIL was represented by solicitor Kim Leslie, can be read here.
APIL's briefing for stage 3 can be read here.
Liability for NHS Charges (Treatment of Industrial Disease) (Scotland) BIll
The Liability for NHS Charges (Treatment of Industrial Disease) (Scotland) Bill was a Members' Bill introduced by SNP MSP Stuart McMillan. The aim of the Bill was to allow the NHS in Scotland to recoup the cost of treating compensate industrial diseases. The Bill was withdrawn by Stuart McMillan on 22 December 2020.
In principle, APIL supported the aims of the Bill. APIL did, however, warn that the Bill would lead to delays in the settlement of industrial disease claims where multiple defenders wrangle over the compensation each should pay.
APIL provided both written and oral evidence to the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament.
APIL's written evidence can be read here.
A transcript of oral evidence, in which APIL was represented by APIL Scotland secretary David Short, can be read here.