Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Legal Circular No: LD/05/26

 

To All Branches, Regional Organisers, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

2 July 2026

 

Dear Colleagues

 

Noise Induced Hearing Loss – Military Hearing Loss Claims (deadline: 31 July 2026)

 

RMT Members and their families in relation to personal injury claims have access to Thompsons Solicitors.

 

This Circular is only likely to be relevant to individuals who have previously served in the Armed Forces. Thompsons Solicitors have asked us to highlight an issue involving a time limit which may affect some members and their families.

 

There has been a long running group of claims against the Ministry of Defence relating to noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus suffered during military service. The High Court has recently issued a significant Judgment dealing with how these claims are assessed and valued.

 

The Ministry of Defence has already agreed, through the ‘Matrix Agreement’ that for claims brought within a specific timeframe:

• It will not argue that the claim is out of time;
• It will admit breach of duty; and
• Where noise induced hearing loss is established, compensation will be payable.

 

However, there is a deadline approaching.

 

Any claim needs to be registered by 31 July 2026 to benefit from these arrangements. After that date, the agreement will close to new claims and these advantages may not be available.

 

If a Member (or their family) have served in the Armed Forces and experience hearing loss and/or tinnitus, they should seek advice as soon as possible.

 

For advice our members should:

• Contact Thompsons Solicitors on: 0800 587 7516 (England & Wales)
• Complete an L1 Form (Scotland & Northern Ireland) available on the RMT web-site

 

Thompsons Solicitors will be able to advise on eligibility and next steps.

 

Please bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of our members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Eddie Dempsey

General Secretary