As you might have guessed, the introduction of the new Industrial Injuries Prescribed Disease for Miners (PDA14), (Osteoarthritis of the Knee in Miners, commonly known as miners knee), is causing considerable interest in the area where I work.

The wonderful world of Welfare Rights never fails to raise a smile every now and then and this week has been no different. Following a press release we issued on this we have been asked:

• I know it says arthritis of the knee but I’ve had a hip replacement. Does this count?
• My knees are fine but I have O/A in the neck. Does this count?
• I’ve got O/A in the knees but have never worked in the mines. Does this count?

I feel like saying the “clues in the name” but that’s just mean. So full benefit checks offered over the phone to all. At least its raised the profile of the service a little.

Have a happy weekend everyone

My mole deep inside the DWP tells me that the government intends to bring in a new industrial disease in about 10 years time, called Beauty Technician's Anomie. The DWP are preparing for this very early as it is expecting a huge number of claims and it intends to be prepared.

Is this where they all get fed up of driving round town giving each other facials and manicures?