July 17, 2009
JUSTICE MINISTER INVESTIGATING LAW FIRM’S MINER’S KNEE ADVERT AFTER MP RAISES CONCERNS
Hundreds of ex-miners attended a roadshow for miner's knee sufferers at Cortonwood Miners' Welfare hosted by John Healey
THE justice minister has confirmed an investigation is under way after MP John Healey raised concerns about activity in Rotherham by law firms.
Mr Healey feared adverts placed locally could lead ex-miners wanting to claim benefit for miner’s knee to pay for costly legal help – when such advice, if needed, can be provided for free.
It follows the government’s recent announcement that some miner’s knee sufferers will now be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Mr Healey wrote to the justice minister Bridget Prentice asking her to take a look at the advert, placed by a Manchester claims management firm trading as the General Miners Advice Unit. The Ministry of Justice authorises and regulates claims management firms.
Concerned constituents had contacted Mr Healey after calling the number given in the advert and discovering the firm were asking for a £345 payment for a successful claim.
Now Ms Prentice has written back to Mr Healey thanking him for bringing the issue to her attention and for his work in raising awareness amongst ex-miners who might make a claim for this benefit.
She said: “I take the issues you have raised very seriously and I can confirm that the Monitoring and Compliance Unit have commenced an investigation into this matter.
“We will take appropriate enforcement action against any business who, following an investigation, are found to be in breach of the rules.”
Mr Healey also raised the advert with the Office of Fair Trading. Chief Executive John Fingleton said the Monitoring and Compliance Unit were writing to the business to seek an amendment to the advert.
Mr Healey said: “I do not want any ex-miners to think they need a lawyer to make a claim. This firm is charging nearly £350 just for help with filling in an application form, when that advice is available for free.
“Questionable activity like this is not wanted round here and I will continue to look out for and report it.
“I want all the money from this scheme to go where the government intends it to – into the pockets of miners who need it, not lawyers.”
Help with applications is available for free from Jobcentre Plus and Rotherham Occupational Health Advice Service.
Hundreds of ex-miners attended a roadshow in Brampton today hosted by Mr Healey when advisors from both organisations were on hand to give help with applications.
Because of its popularity, the MP plans to organise another roadshow, possibly in early autumn. Contact Mr Healey’s office on 01709 875943 if you would like to be kept informed of such an event, or for a copy of the fact sheet.