Barry Price, 67, died in 2002 from asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, which he contracted through his job at Hewell Grange Prison in Redditch.

His widow Gladys agreed an out-of-court settlement over the death.

Her solicitors said Mr Price paid the ultimate price for Home Office neglect. The Home Office has not yet commented.

Barry was a lovely man and a wonderful father to his son and daughter and we miss him Gladys Price

Mr Price, who worked at the open prison for nearly 30 years from 1973, was regularly exposed to asbestos dust but was not made aware of the dangers, said lawyers Russell Jones & Walker.

Adam Wilson, from the law firm's Birmingham office, said: "This was a particularly sad case where public sector employers simply failed to protect Mr Price with disastrous and fatal consequences.

"At the time he worked for them Mr Price's employers knew, or should have known, of the dangers of working with asbestos and the serious risks of being exposed to asbestos dust.

'Untimely death'

"The law was already in place to protect Mr Price and his employers, the Home Office, should have provided masks, clothing and equipment to remove the dust but they neglected to do so.

"This compensation will help Mr Price's family recover the income and pension they have lost due to Barry Price's untimely death."