Miners win pension payout

LONDON, England -- British miners, who were forced into early retirement after contracting work-related illnesses, have won a legal battle for pension top-ups.

Energy Minister Peter Hain announced a £400 million ($578 million) deal to compensate up to 100,000 miners who lost their pension rights when they left work early due to a variety of health problems.

Miners suffered from respiratory diseases, caused by exposure to coal dust, and from "Vibration White Finger," a condition caused by the use of heavy machinery where finger nerves and blood vessels are damaged.

The government said £30 million ($43 million) of the package would also go to the widows of those miners who died at an early age from lung diseases.

"We cannot make things better overnight, but I will work tirelessly to get money in the pockets of miners and widows as soon as possible," Hain said.

Bleddyn Hancock, leader of the South Wales branch of miners' union Nacods said he was pleased the government had avoided the need for the union to fight the issue through the courts.

He said: "We're delighted the government has backed down. It's tremendous news and a complete vindication of our... fight."

Reuters contributed to this report.

Department of Trade and Industry

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