Vow on pit fees return
Jan 28 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
A LABOUR MP who has publicly clashed with union bosses over compensation for miners last night pledged to help them recover fees paid out.
Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, has been an outspoken critic of the Durham branch of the National Union of Mineworkers’ practice of deducting a membership fee of 7.5% from payouts for compensation claims it has passed to solicitors.
On Friday, the MP is to hold a special advice surgery for ex-mineworkers and their families at the Central Club in Stanley, County Durham, from 10am until noon.
Mr Jones says he has so far helped dozens of his constituents win back tens of thousands of pounds in fees which he says were “unnecessary, as all legal costs in mineworkers’ cases are met by the Government.”
He added: “Many mineworkers and their families have now claimed back fees and unfair deductions from their compensation.
“But I know there are still many more people in my constituency who had money taken from their claims, who still haven’t taken action.
“That’s why we’ve organised this event.”
Also present will be advisers from the Law Society’s Legal Complaints Service, who will be on hand to help constituents with their queries.
Pat Estabrook, of the Legal Complaints Service, said: “Our team has dealt with 3,000 complaints about mining-related issues.
“We would urge people to come along on Friday if they need any help or advice.”
In a Parliamentary Debate in July 2006, Mr Jones attacked the practices of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in Durham, comparing it unfavourably with the NUM in Northumberland.
He said: “I commend the work the NUM has done in some areas, and there is a contrast in the North-East between Durham and Northumberland, where the NUM does not charge anything.
“It does not matter in Northumberland who anyone is – an existing member of the NUM or a member of the community – because they can go to the NUM without it costing them a penny.
“If they want to make a voluntary donation afterwards, that is fine.
“That is not what happens in Durham. There, 7.5% per cent is taken off the compensation by solicitors, then passed to the NUM.”
Durham NUM general secretary David Hopper has challenged Mr Jones to a public debate, accusing him of waging a vendetta against the NUM, and insisting: “We have nothing to hide.”
