MP urges Miners to claim under new scheme

Michael Connarty MP today welcomed an announcement that from this week thousands of coal miners who worked in the pits in the 1970â€™s and early 1980â€™s suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, sometimes referred to as â€œminersâ€™ kneeâ€, will be able claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Michael urged claimants to go directly to Jobcentre Plus for help with their claims and to avoid paying for solicitors.

The West Lothian MP said:“This is a very welcome step – I want to make sure that everyone eligible in West Lothian knows how to claim and receives the money that they are entitled to.”

“It is only right that this help should be available to coal miners who have worked hard all their lives and are now suffering from this painful condition.

“It is also vital people understand they can claim direct through Jobcentre Plus and do not need to pay for the services of solicitors. This will ensure they get all the money they are entitled to.

“To avoid people contacting solicitors unnecessarily, the Government deliberately started accepting claims in advance of today and several thousands have already applied.”

For more information in Scotland former miners should phone 0845 608 8967

Coal miners who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and have worked underground as a miner for ten years or more prior to 1 January 1986, and in some cases after that date, should be able to apply for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

4000 claims have already been received. DWP will work to process these as quickly as possible and any payments will be made from the date the claim was received, so that no one will lose any benefit because of processing times.