Press Release 28 April 2009
MIDLOTHIAN’S LABOUR MP Secures Compensation for “Miners’ Knee” Victims
Thousands of miners suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee, commonly known as ‘Miners’ Knee’, won a victory as it was announced by David Hamilton MP that they will be able to claim help from the Labour Government.
Following a campaign by David Hamilton MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell confirmed that osteoarthritis of the 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.
David Hamilton MP welcomed the victory saying;
"As the 25th anniversary of the miners strike brings back painful memories in former mining communities it is fitting that labour is giving this help to those injured by their work under ground."
James Purnell MP, labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said the decision was down to the campaign of David Hamilton and Michael Clapham MP, two mining Members of Parliament.
David Hamilton 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.”
Kitty Ussher MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary made the announcement from the National Coal Mining Museum:
“I’m very pleased that this help is now available to those miners who, through no fault of their own are afflicted with this condition. We estimate that thousands of former miners will now be able to benefit from this aid.’
Labour Ministers have decided to act on the recommendation from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council that coal miners who have worked underground for ten 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.
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