New
figures show the Government has paid £38m compensation to trawlermen who lost
their jobs as a result of the ‘Cod War’ in the 1970s.
Two
years ago the Government launched a scheme to compensate former trawlermen who
lost their jobs when the industry collapsed.
The
cash has been paid to more than 4,000 former Icelandic-water trawlermen.
Eligible
claimants have received payments at a rate of £1,000 per year they spent at
sea, subject to a maximum of £20,000.
Those
with outstanding claims must submit them before the compensation scheme closing
date – 1 October this year.
Department
of Trade and Industry Minister, Nigel Griffiths said: "The Government
recognised that the former Icelandic-water trawlermen suffered an injustice, as
many who lost their jobs received little or no help at the time.
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"Given
the exceptional circumstances, in which they lacked basic employment
protection, we decided that this long-standing injustice ought to be remedied.
We believe that the compensation scheme has achieved this purpose."
