Almost 40,000 former mineworkers will now see an increase of £100 per week in their pension payments, starting today. This boost represents a 41% rise and follows years of advocacy for surplus funds in the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) to be distributed to members.
The news was announced after Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed in the Budget that the government had returned the £2.3 billion reserve, held by the government since 1994, to BCSSS members. This move ensures that individuals who worked in the coal industry receive fair treatment in their retirement.
Additionally, those impacted will receive a one-time lump sum of £5,500 today, with the increase retroactively applied to November 2024 when the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme saw its raise.
The BCSSS scheme covers former coal miners and individuals in non-mining roles at collieries across the UK, including engineers, managers, canteen workers, and administrators. Approximately 40% of the 40,000 BCSSS members are women. Last year, the government also transferred £1.5 billion to members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.
Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, commended the mineworkers and campaigners for their efforts in rectifying this long-standing issue. He highlighted that the pension increase, just ahead of Christmas, will provide deserving retirement benefits to many.
Cheryl Agius, Chair of Trustees of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and advocacy that led to this historic moment. She emphasized the significance of aligning BCSSS members with their counterparts in the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and thanked members for their support in raising the issue to the government over the past year.