Nearly 350 former mineworkers in the Lothian East constituency have today begun to receive an uplift in their weekly pension, overturning years of injustice and ensuring fair payouts for years to come.
The payment follows the Labour Government’s reversal of an historic injustice, leading to £1.5billion being transferred to their pension scheme last month. Former mineworkers have started to receive money in their pockets, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their work.
The uplift represents an average 32% rise to the annual pensions of 112,000 former mineworkers and their dependents across the UK – an average increase of £29 per week for each member.
Douglas Alexander MP welcomed the announcement, saying:
“I am delighted that from today, 347 former mineworkers in this constituency will be receiving a significant uplift in their pensions. It is a national scandal that former miners in our area have had to fight for so long for the pension settlement they deserve. Today marks a victory for the relentless campaigning of the trustees, members, and coalfield communities, and will make an immediate difference to those affected.
“I was also pleased to meet with my former parliamentary colleague Davie Hamilton recently to discuss this matter. Davie is a former miner himself, as well as being a longstanding campaigner for fairness on this issue, which we have now delivered.”
Former mineworkers and their families have fought for justice for many years. In a landmark decision, the fund – worth £1.5 billion – has been handed over to the pension scheme, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades are finally getting the just rewards from their work.
Secretary of State for Energy, Ed Miliband MP said:
“This Labour Government has kept our promise to return money rightfully owed to ex-miners and their families- and today thousands of people will receive the money they deserve in their pension as a result. Today marks an end to a decades-long injustice that has denied thousands across the country the decent pension that they so undeniably deserve.
“We have delivered on our promise to right this wrong and I hope members and their families are able to enjoy the victory that they have waited far too long for.”
Chris Kitchen, General Secretary of the NUM, said:
“The Labour Party recognised the injustice of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme whilst in opposition. Now in Government they have made good on their manifesto commitment to return the Investment Reserve Fund so it can be used to increase pensions. This is the change we voted for.”