16 July 2009

MP Urges Miners to Claim Under New Scheme

Paul Murphy MP today welcomed an announcement that from this week thousands of coal miners suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, sometimes referred to as “miners’ knee”, will be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Mr Murphy MP joined Yvette Cooper, Work and Pensions Secretary, in urging claimants to go directly to Jobcentre Plus for help with their claims and to avoid paying for solicitors, he said today:

“Torfaen has an illustrious industrial heritage and 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.

“This is a very welcome step – I want to make sure that everyone eligible in our Valley knows how to claim and receives the money that they are entitled to.

Yvette Cooper MP said:

“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, we deliberately started accepting claims in advance of today and we are delighted that several thousands have already applied.”


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