Hundreds of miners in Lanark & Hamilton East suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee, commonly known as ‘Miners’ Knee’ or ‘Beat Knee’, won a victory as it was announced by Jim Hood MP that they will be able to claim help from the Government.
Following a campaign by Jim Hood and other labour MPs, 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.
Jim Hood 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 this Government is giving help to those injured by their work underground.”
James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said the decision was down to the campaigns of Jim Hood and other labour MPs:
” Jim 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 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.
Editors’ notes
For more information on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10018752