UK raises compensation for families of workers killed by asbestos

The UK government has changed its compensation rules for families of workers who died from asbestos-related diseases before filing claims, ending a longstanding unfairness in the system. As of October 31, eligible dependants will receive the full compensation their deceased relatives would have received if they had successfully claimed before death.

This change aims to benefit around 300 families annually in the UK. Previously, bereaved families who lost loved ones before making a claim received an average of £10,700 in 2025, while workers who successfully claimed were entitled to about £17,700. The reform could significantly increase individual awards, such as for a 60-year-old worker with 31 to 40 percent disablement, who would previously have received £24,526 for their family if they died before claiming, now receiving £56,656.

The change follows years of campaigning by groups like the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK and parliamentarians, with the government estimating the reform will cost between £2m and £6m annually.