National Audit Office criticises DTI compensation scheme for VWF sufferers

In 2007 the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the Department of Trade and Industry after its compensation scheme for former British Coal employees now suffering from various work related illnesses including vibration white finger (VWF) was shown to be paying far more in administration costs, solicitor's and doctor's fees than it is in actual compensation to some affected employees.

In Derbyshire alone, there had been almost 50,000 claims made to the scheme, costing £1.4 billion in administration costs. However, two-thirds of claimants had received less than the solicitors, claims administrators and doctors who considered their bid, according to the NAO report on the scheme.

South Derbyshire MP Mark Todd is chairman of the Coal Health Committee for the East Midlands, which is now monitoring the scheme in 2008.

He said, "The Government made a series of major mistakes. They did not expect the volume of claims they got. Therefore they set up a handling system, with detailed analysis of claims, to prevent fraud.
"It wasn't just a case of 'you worked in the mines'. They needed to know the relevant employment history. For instance, someone who did not work five years underground was not able to claim, even though surface working was one of the dustiest activities.

"The costs of the scheme became huge as people argued over the type of occupation and the severity of their injuries. They suddenly realised they were facing far more claims.

"Why they ever thought it would be a small scheme, I do not know."

A former miner who worked in collieries for 13 years told the Derbyshire Evening echo about his horrific and time consuming ordeal of claiming compensation for VWF that has so debilitated him he had to retire in 2002 due to ill health.

He said living with VWF was like "having pins and needles, but you can't get rid of it."

He added that no pay-out could ever be enough for what he went through."

Vibration white finger and YouClaim compensation claims
Even though money cannot alleviate the pain of VWF, if you have sustained personal injury as a result of working with vibrating machinery or processing equipment you could be entitled to a vibration white finger compensation claim.

YouClaim's experienced and efficient personal injury lawyers will provide you with friendly yet professional help and advice throughout the claim for compensation. Working on a no win, no fee basis our lawyers work to strict and exacting standards laid down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our success rate is high and you are guaranteed to receive 100% compensation in the event of a successful claim.

Call our free UK helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or have an e-chat. If it's not convenient right now we can call you back, or you could give us a few details about your VWF claim by filling in our online claim form and we will call you to discuss it further. However you contact YouClaim you can be assured we will give you the best service available.