Thursday November 5th 2026
Asbestos
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill has welcomed a UK Government change which will ensure families receive full compensation when a loved one dies from an asbestos-related disease.
The reform means bereaved families will no longer receive reduced payments if an eligible person dies before making a compensation claim, ending what the Government describes as a longstanding unfairness in the system.
Previously, dependants of people who died before submitting a claim received average payments of around £10,700 in 2025 – approximately £7,000 less than the average amount paid to sufferers.
Under the new rules, a dependant of a 60-year-old claimant could receive £56,656 in compensation, compared with £24,526 under the previous arrangements.
The change covers Government compensation schemes for people who have developed asbestos-related and dust-related diseases, including mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis, where compensation has not otherwise been secured from an employer.
In 2025, workers affected by these conditions received average payments of around £17,700 through the schemes.
Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian, said: “No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. But it is welcome news that bereaved families will now receive the full compensation their loved one was entitled to, ending a longstanding unfairness in the system.
“This is a long-overdue change that will provide support for families at a difficult time.”
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said families should not face a financial penalty following the death of someone affected by an asbestos-related disease.
He 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 will receive the full compensation their loved ones would have been entitled to, ending a longstanding unfairness in the system.”
The Government said the additional compensation could help families meet day-to-day expenses as they adjust to life without their loved one.
The change follows decades of campaigning by organisations including the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK and parliamentarians.
The legislation is expected to cost between £2 million and £6 million annually.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward said the reform would also benefit families across Scotland who had been affected by outdated compensation rules.
She said: “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.
“I’m glad that from today, the UK Government is putting an end to this injustice – including for victims in Scotland – by scrapping reduced payments for dependants.
“I pay tribute to the campaigners who have fought for many years to make this change happen.”
Jane Lassey, Director of Regulation at the Health and Safety Executive, said the effects of past asbestos exposure continued to be felt by workers and their families.
She said the change would ensure bereaved families received the support their loved ones would have been entitled to, while the organisation continued working with employers, workers and partners to prevent future exposure.
The corresponding scheme in Northern Ireland, run by the Department for Communities, is expected to introduce similar changes in due course.
The announcement follows the laying of legislation in September as part of the Government’s efforts to provide greater support for bereaved families.
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