Compensation available for miner's knee

Miners who are suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee will now be able to seek help from the government, which may interest those undergoing health and safety training.

James Purnell, work and pensions secretary, revealed that the condition, which is also known as miner's knee, will be added to the list of 'prescribed diseases', making sufferers eligible to apply for compensation through the industrial injuries disablement benefit.

Mr Purnell commented: "It is right that this help should be available to coal miners who are suffering from this painful condition following years of hard work."

He also pointed out that the condition has made life difficult for a large number of retired workers and made it necessary for others to stop working before they intended.

Kitty Ussher, Department for Work and Pensions parliamentary under secretary, added that it is expected the development will help thousands of former miners.

Last month, the Scottish government overturned the House of Lords ruling that prevented compensation claims from people with pleural plaques, which often precede industrial disease mesothelioma.