In a significant policy shift, the United Kingdom Government has announced an increase in compensation for families of workers who succumbed to asbestos-related diseases without having filed claims. This new law, which took effect on October 31, 2026, aims to rectify a longstanding inequity in the compensation system that previously left bereaved families receiving far less than what their deceased relatives would have been entitled to.

Under the revised regulations, families of deceased workers will now receive the full compensation amount that their loved ones would have received had they successfully completed their claims before passing away. The Department for Work and Pensions stated that this reform is expected to benefit around 300 families annually across the UK.

Previously, families whose relatives died before filing claims received an average compensation of approximately £10,700, significantly lower than the £17,700 awarded to those who successfully claimed. This disparity meant that families were losing out on an average of £7,000 due to the timing of their loved ones’ deaths.

The new compensation structure promises to substantially increase the financial support for these families. For instance, under the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme, the family of a 60-year-old worker who died before filing a claim would have previously received £24,526. With the new law, that amount has risen to £56,656, reflecting the full entitlement of the deceased worker.

Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasized the importance of this reform, stating, "Losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease is devastating. Families should not then face a financial penalty because of that loss." He described the change as a long-overdue adjustment that provides greater support to families during their difficult times.

The reform comes after decades of advocacy from various groups, including the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK, as well as support from parliamentarians. The government estimates that the implementation of this change will incur an annual cost ranging from £2 million to £6 million.

Melanie Ward, the UK Government Minister for Scotland, echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, noting that the previous compensation rules had left many families feeling short-changed. "For far too long, the families of workers who have suffered from the devastating effects of asbestos and dust-related diseases have been short-changed by outdated compensation rules," she stated, highlighting the significance of the new legislation for victims across the UK, including Scotland.

Jane Lassey, the Director of Regulation at the Health and Safety Executive, remarked on the ongoing impact of asbestos-related diseases, stating that the effects of past exposure continue to inflict suffering on workers and their families. She affirmed that the new law will ensure bereaved families receive the support their loved ones were entitled to.

It is important to note that the reform applies only to new dependant claims made from October 31, 2026, and does not cover any retrospective claims. This change affects both the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 scheme and the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme, which provide lump-sum compensation to workers diagnosed with dust-related diseases or their dependants when compensation cannot be secured from employers. The corresponding scheme in Northern Ireland is expected to introduce similar changes in the near future.