 The Selby mines will finally close next spring |
Most of the miners who have been made redundant by the run-down of the Selby coalfield have found other work, according to a survey. In the last 13 months, 300 people have taken voluntary redundancy with five out of six either going to other jobs or setting up their own businesses, according to the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward.
Just 49 are claiming benefits.
The North Yorkshire complex will finally close next spring when the remaining 700 workers will lose their jobs.
Local agencies
A taskforce headed by Yorkshire Forward board member Lord Haskins spent �35m on a package of measures including re-training and advice on becoming self-employed.
The taskforce has now been wound-up, but its work is being carried on by other local agencies.
Companies which have taken former miners include Jarvis, the Prison Service and MFI.
John Grogan, the Labour MP for Selby, said: "For me the aim of the taskforce was to ensure the Selby mine complex was closed in a more humane and planned way than was the case during previous closures in the region."
The Selby complex, which opened in the 1980s, includes three deep coal mines.
Its owner, UK Coal, has decided to close it because of geological problems.
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