Deaths from mesothelioma are expected to peak between 2015 and 2020, according to a report in the British Medical Journal.

It said that as exposure to asbestos in the UK continued until 1980, "the peak of the epidemic is still to come".

At its peak, mesothelioma is expected to cause 2,000 deaths a year in the UK, up from current levels of 1,800.

Construction workers' union UCATT has warned that the situation will become worse if calls for a relaxation in the restrictions on the use of asbestos are heeded.

UCATT general secretary George Brumwell said: "We hear increasing calls for relaxation from some Tory MPs and of course from the asbestos industry.

"If that were to happen the epidemic which the British Medical Journal is predicting will be much worse than doctors fear."

UCATT said that up to 500,000 UK workplaces still contained asbestos.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.