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Loved ones of asbestos and dust-disease victims to receive fairer compensation
Families who have lost loved ones to asbestos and other dust-related diseases will get higher compensation payouts, as part of the Government’s effort to support bereaved families.
Workers who develop asbestos-related and dust-related diseases like mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis caused by their work can claim a one-off payment from the Government if they haven’t already secured compensation from their employer.
This is often the only option available to sufferers, since it can take years for these diseases to develop, meaning the employer responsible has usually gone out of business by the time someone is diagnosed.
However, under the current system the payment is passed to their grieving family at a reduced rate if it is paid after the sufferer dies. New legislation will ensure that dependants will receive the same rate as sufferers, in full.
Read the press release
*The MOD War Pension Scheme also provides for asbestos exposure claims attributable to Service, such as Diffuse Mesothelioma. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-for-veterans-diagnosed-with-diffuse-mesothelioma
Major work experience drive for young people
Young people will be given vital work experience opportunities thanks to a major initiative between government and Britain’s leading retailers – with the ambition to create up to 100,000 jobs by the end of the Parliament.
Alongside the sector’s ambitions of creating 100,000 jobs, the British Retail Consortium and DWP are launching a new work experience programme, Opening Shift, which will see 18-24-year-olds looking for work offered two to four weeks of hands-on experience as part of more than 11,000 placements with Britain’s biggest retailers, including Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Curry’s and Costa Coffee, complete with dedicated workplace support and interview experience.
The DWP will manage the pipeline of eligible young Universal Credit customers who will be referred to the voluntary programme through jobcentres, and the retailers will provide the placements and wider support, with 16 to 35 hours of work experience provided each week for two to four weeks.
They could be offered a permanent role if one is available, be put on the retailer’s talent bank, or directed towards apprenticeship and other opportunities.
Read the press release
Pension Awareness Week 2026
As part of Pension Awareness Week, Pension Geeks is offering free online events, including a session on how MoneyHelper can help you. Visit the Pension Awareness Week website for more information.
