The TUC has a history of developing analysis and research to inform economic and employment-related issues.

Worker protections in the UK compared to the rest of the OECD

Report: Falling behind on labour rights

The TUC produces a wide range of research and analysis reports

Latest TUC reports

Back

Nothing beats being a union member, but if you are looking for particular guidance on a workplace issue have a look at our workplace guidance.

Go to workplace guidance

Are you a union rep looking for help and advice to support your colleagues at work? Take a look at our wide range of resources.

Go to reps guidance

The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

Our work - ASCG

Being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease can be a huge shock.

Over the last five years, the ASCG has supported 668 clients diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, helping to secure a total of over £11 million in additional income for those supported.

For those suffering from Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural Thickening; Lung Cancer or any other occupational cancer our service can help with:

Welfare benefits and support; applying for benefits; appealing against benefit decisions; health costs such as prescriptions and travel to hospital; applying for local authority financial support and charitable grants; requesting a blue disabled parking badge
Independent legal advice and representation
Information about other related services

Easy Access

You will have access to a specialist personal advisor who will be there to support you through the various services we offer.

Appointments can be held at a patient's home or over the telephone and will usually take place within two weeks for the first contact or referral.

Call: 01429 271 294

You might be overwhelmed, worried about what happens next or thinking about the impact on your life.

The effects can be devastating and victims will need and deserve as much support as possible to help them cope with the consequences.

As well as potential compensation, there are a number of government benefits available to people who have developed a lung condition after being exposed to asbestos dust and fibres, and their carers.

Case study 1

Mr W, an 80-year-old man from Durham, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2023 as a result of occupational asbestos exposure.

Following his diagnosis, we helped Mr W apply for benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions, which resulted in him being awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit of £222 per week, Attendance Allowance of £109 per week and a lump sum payment of £17,745 under the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Scheme (CIPCS).

We also supported Mr W to apply for a Blue Badge.

In August 2023, Mr W instructed a solicitor in relation to his claim against his former employer for Mesothelioma. The claim was settled in January 2024 and he received compensation of £217,000.

Case study 2

Mr F, an 81-year-old man from Middlesbrough, was referred to us in 2023 by his Macmillan nurse after being disagnosed with Mesothelioma.

We completed a home visit and assisted Mr F with his application to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Within a few weeks, Mr F was awarded Injuries Disablement Benefit of £208 per week with a backdated payment of £2699 and a lump sum payment of £16,631 under the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Scheme (CIPCS).

Mr F instructed a solicitor to pursue claims for damages against his former employer which resulted in a settlement of £190,000 within nine months of instruction. The settlement also came with an order that requires the former employer to fund any future private medical treatment.

Case study 3

Mr O, a 77 year old retired Unite member from Middlesbrough was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in May 2023 as a result of occupational asbestos exposure.

Following his diagnosis, we helped Mr O apply for benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions, which resulted in him being awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit of £207.60 per week, Attendance Allowance of £108.55 per week, and a lump sum payment of £16,631 under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.

In June 2023, Mr O instructed a solicitor in relation to his claim against his former employers for Mesothelioma. His claim was settled in August 2024, after court proceedings were commenced against his former employers who declined to admit liability for the development of mesothelioma, and resulted in a settlement of £230,000. We also secured a blue badge for Mr O and Attendance Allowance for Mrs O as she also had health problems.