On 24th August 2005, the Department of Constitutional Affairs published a press release concerning compensation for sufferers of Vibration White Finger.

Miners who developed Vibration White Finger or lung disease as a result of their employment are entitled to a refund of any contributions they may have made towards their costs if their claims are covered by one of two Government schemes.

 The schemes were set up in 1999 to determine compensation entitlements as an alternative to taking a claim through the courts.

 In successful cases, legal representation is paid under the scheme. A number of claimants’ representatives had already begun legal action before the scheme and had sought legal aid for those who were eligible. In some cases clients will have been asked to contribute towards the legal aid costs.