Families of workers who died from asbestos-related diseases will now receive full compensation under a change to the Government's compensation scheme for asbestos-related or dust-related diseases.
The new legislation, effective from Saturday, October 31, ensures bereaved families receive the same compensation entitlement as sufferers, at an estimated cost of between £2 million and £6 million per year.
Compensation amounts and regional impact
In 2025, workers who developed diseases such as mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis received average payments of around £17,700 through the Government's compensation schemes where compensation had not otherwise been secured from an employer. In the North East, there were 160 awards made to victims under this scheme.
Before the change, where an eligible person died before making a claim, their loved ones received average payments of around £10,700 in 2025 - around £7,000 less than the average payment made to sufferers. For a 60-year-old claimant, a dependant could now receive £56,656 instead of £24,526.
Official response
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms said: "Losing a loved one to an asbestos-related disease is devastating. Families should not then face a financial penalty because of that loss. From today, bereaved families in North East England will receive the full compensation their loved ones would have been entitled to, ending a longstanding unfairness in the system."
"This is a long-overdue change that will provide greater support for families at a difficult time."
The Government say the additional compensation can help families with day-to-day expenses and provide support as they navigate life without their loved one.
Jane Lassey, Director of Regulation at the Health and Safety Executive said: "Asbestos-related diseases continue to cause great suffering, and the effects of past exposure are still being felt by workers and their families. This change means bereaved families will receive the support their loved ones would have been entitled to."
"HSE's priority remains preventing future harm. We will keep working with employers, workers and partners to make sure the risks from asbestos are understood and managed, so that fewer families have to go through this loss."
