Former mineworkers and their families are rejoicing after a big victory in the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme case. This major amendment will help around 40,000 people who were at a disadvantage because of their non-mining employment at colliery operations. This injustice came to an end with an announcement during the 2024 autumn budget. This landmark move granted justice to over 5,000 women who had been wronged.
Now the British government, led by a former ministers, is doing bold things to address inequities in the pension scheme. This change will ensure that members have access to a larger and fairer share of the £2.3 billion reserve fund. This amendment hopes to provide reparative justice for the wrongs of the past. At the same time, it’s delivering fiscal patrol relief for the beneficiaries.
Through this reform, scheme members will see a historic 41% rise in what they receive in pension payouts. This raise is retroactive — going into effect as of the day their government started making these changes. Members will get an average lump sum payment of £5,500. This infusion of cash comes just in time for the holiday season to ensure working families have the help they need.
Julie Creed of Mansfield, formerly employed by the salaries department of British Coal, found the developments a great relief.
“It’s made a massive difference to her and her pension so that means she’s not got to be worrying whether she can afford to put the heating on or whatever, so that has really helped.” – Julie Creed
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, was full of enthusiasm for the reform. He pointed to its importance for those who have historically endured discrimination.
“Today, thousands will rightly see a 41% uplift in their pension payment just before Christmas – providing them with the retirement they deserve.” – Ed Miliband
Cheryl Agius, chair of trustees of the pension scheme, welcomed the announcement. She described it as a “historic moment” that reflects a year of grit and collaboration by advocates battling for the rights of the former mineworkers.
“This is a historic moment – the result of a year of determination, advocacy and collaboration – and it marks a turning point.” – Cheryl Agius
The latest changes come after similar reforms enacted last year to the UK Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, which has about 100,000 members. These developments demonstrate a growing recognition of the contributions made by those in both mining and support roles within the industry.
Labour MP Steve Yemm, who represents Mansfield, has been an active campaigner on this issue, advocating for fair treatment for all former coal industry workers. These changes to the British Coal staff superannuation scheme are an important step toward addressing long-standing injustices. Through this legislation, they guarantee that retired workers will finally get the retirement they earned.