Miners set for compensation

Apr 23 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

HUNDREDS of miners across the county suffering from a degenerative disease this week welcomed news they will be able to claim financial help from the Government.

Following a campaign by Jimmy Hood, the Lanark and Hamilton East MP, and other Labour MPs, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, confirmed that osteoarthritis of the knee, known also as miners’ knee or bent knee, would be added to the list of 'prescribed diseases' meaning that sufferers would now be able to apply for state compensation through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Mr Hood this week welcomed the victory for the miners.

"As the 25th anniversary of the miners strike brings back painful memories in former mining communities, it is fitting that this Government is giving help to those injured by their work underground."

James Purnell said the decision was down to the campaigns of Mr Hood and other labour MPs: "Jimmy Hood has been a strong voice for former miners in parliament.

“It is thanks to his campaigning that miners, after years of hard work underground, will be getting this extra help.

"This painful disease has made life very difficult for a large number of retired miners and forced others to end their working life earlier than planned, so I am pleased that we are now in a position that we will be able to offer them valuable financial assistance."

The Government will act on the recommendation from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council that coal miners who have worked underground for 10 years or more should be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. The change is expected to come into force in the summer.