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.
"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."
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