Trust Fund List (UK)

Asbestos Trust Funds in the UK: What They Are and How to Access Them

Asbestos exposure has left a lasting legacy in the United Kingdom. For decades, workers in shipyards, factories, construction, and power plants were exposed to asbestos, often without adequate protection. 

Many people only develop related illnesses—like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer—decades later.

For victims, compensation is a critical means to cover medical care, lost income, and support for families. While most claims in the UK are handled through civil lawsuits or government schemes, there are dedicated asbestos trust funds designed to pay eligible claimants when historic company liabilities exist.

What Are UK Asbestos Trust Funds?

Unlike the United States, which has dozens of bankruptcy asbestos trusts, the UK has only a handful of formal asbestos trust funds, created when companies with historic liabilities wanted a structured way to compensate victims.

The main trusts currently recognised in the UK are:

T & N UK Asbestos Trust

Created for individuals exposed to asbestos through companies formerly part of the T&N Group (later merged into Federal-Mogul).

Covers employees, contractors, and others with documented exposure.

The EL Trust (Employer’s Liability Trust)

Often administered alongside the T & N Trust.

Established to manage and pay claims relating to historic liabilities of T & N Group companies.

These trusts operate similarly to U.S. asbestos trusts but on a much smaller scale, focusing on specific companies’ former employees and others who can demonstrate exposure.

Who Can Access These Trusts?

Eligibility is generally limited to individuals who:

Have a diagnosed asbestos-related disease (mesothelioma, asbestosis, or pleural disease).

Worked for, contracted with, or were otherwise exposed to asbestos through T & N Group companies.

Can provide documentation of employment or exposure, such as employment records, witness statements, or site histories.

In some cases, family members of deceased employees may claim if they were exposed second-hand through contaminated clothing or tools.

Other Compensation Schemes in the UK

If you are not eligible for a trust, compensation is still possible through other routes:

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (2008 Scheme) – For victims unable to pursue civil claims.

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS, 2014) – Updated government scheme for those whose employers or insurers cannot be traced.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) – Weekly or lump-sum state benefit for work-related asbestos diseases.

These schemes complement the T & N and EL trusts, ensuring broader access to support.

How to Apply to the T & N UK Asbestos Trust or The EL Trust

Applying is a structured process but does not require litigation, making it a faster route to compensation if you are eligible.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you have a medical diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease.

Gather employment records or other proof of exposure to T & N Group companies.

Collect any supporting documentation, including pay slips, contracts, union records, or witness statements.

Step 2: Contact the Trust Administrators

The T & N and EL Trusts are administered by independent trustees.

Visit the official website: T & N UK Asbestos Trust

Request a claim form and guidance pack.

Step 3: Complete the Claim Form

Provide personal details, medical diagnosis, and exposure history.

Attach all supporting documentation.

Indicate if you are claiming as a living victim or on behalf of a deceased relative.

Step 4: Submit the Claim

Submit the completed form via mail or electronically as instructed.

Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Step 5: Claim Assessment

Trustees will review your application and verify eligibility.

They may request additional evidence or medical reports.

Step 6: Payment

Once approved, payment is made directly to the claimant.

Payments are usually lump sum and do not require court action.

⚠️ Note: The process can take several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of your claim. Using an experienced asbestos solicitor can help ensure all evidence is correctly submitted and your claim is maximized.

Final Thoughts

UK asbestos trust funds like the T & N UK Asbestos Trust and The EL Trust provide an important alternative to civil litigation, especially for victims who cannot pursue a lawsuit or whose former employers no longer exist.

Even if you’re unsure about eligibility, gathering your medical and exposure records early is key. Combined with government schemes or legal claims, these trusts can provide much-needed financial support to victims and their families, helping cover treatment costs and relieve the financial burden caused by asbestos-related disease.