THOUSANDS of former mineworkers are receiving a long-awaited boost to their pensions.
The increase follows the government's decision to transfer the £2.3 billion reserve to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, with almost 40,000 ex-mineworkers across the UK now receiving an average weekly increase of £100.
A one-off lump sum averaging £5,500 has also been paid out.
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, said: "I want to pay tribute to all the mineworkers and all the campaigners involved in ending this decades-long injustice.
"Today, thousands will rightly see a 41% uplift in their pension payment just before Christmas - providing them with the retirement they deserve."
Payments were backdated to November 2024, when a similar increase was made to the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.
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This latest uplift brings members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) into line with those on the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, who received their boost last year.
The BCSSS covers not only former miners but also engineers, managers, canteen workers, and administrators - with more than 5,000 women, or 13 per cent of total members, included in the scheme.
Cheryl Agius, chair of trustees of the BCSSS, described the news as "a historic moment."
Ms Agius said: "This is a historic moment - the result of a year of determination, advocacy and collaboration - and it marks a turning point for the Scheme.
"Being able to make the first bonus pension increase today, brings BCSSS members into line with their former colleagues in the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme (MPS), who received their investment reserve in November last year.
"Our members have been key to helping us raise this issue with the government over the last twelve months and the Trustees would like to thank them for their support."
The government will meet with Trustees of the BCSSS in the New Year to agree a way forward with surplus sharing arrangements for the future.
Last year, the government transferred £1.5 billion to members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme, supporting more than 100,000 members across the UK.
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