CIRC 051: IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MEMBERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES

Military Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Claims – Deadline 31 July 2026

The POA have been asked to bring to the attention of any members who have previously served in the Armed Forces that an important deadline is approaching in relation to military hearing loss and tinnitus compensation claims.

A long-running legal action against the Ministry of Defence concerning Noise Induced Hearing Loss (and tinnitus has reached a significant stage, and special arrangements are currently in place for claims registered before 31 July 2026.

For claims registered before this deadline, the MoD has agreed that:

• It will not argue that the claim has been brought too late (known as a limitation defence).
• It accepts that it was in breach of its duty regarding noise exposure.
• Where military noise induced hearing loss can be established, compensation will be payable under the agreed framework.

These arrangements will no longer be available for new claims registered after 31 July 2026.

If you served in the Armed Forces and currently suffer from hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or other persistent noises in the ears), you may wish to seek advice about making a claim as soon as possible.

 

How to register a claim

Members can begin the claims process through the union's normal channels

by contacting Thompsons Personal Injury Helpline 0800 0 224 224.

Given the approaching deadline, members who believe they may have been affected are strongly encouraged not to delay seeking advice.

If you know of any current or former Armed Forces personnel within your workplace who may be affected, please consider sharing this information with them.

Deadline for registration: 31 July 2026

Please ensure this circular is distributed to all members and displayed on branch noticeboards.

 

Yours sincerely

MICK PIMBLETT
Deputy General Secretary