1043 former mineworkers in North Warwickshire and Bedworth will today begin to receive an uplift in their weekly pension, overturning an historic 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 will receive money in their pockets today, 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.
Rachel, whose grandfather was a miner in the area, welcomed the announcement, saying:
I am delighted that from today, 1043 former mineworkers in North Warwickshire and Bedworth will be receiving a significant uplift in their pensions.
My granddad was a miner, and I watched how the closing of pits changed his world and the effect it had on our community. Our miners deserve their pensions and I’m proud this government has decided to end the injustice and deliver what is rightfully owed back to mining families.
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 people in North Warwickshire and Bedworth.
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.