ASW workers have held a series of protests over their lost pensions

Thirteen ex-workers at Allied Steel and Wire (ASW) are the only people in the UK so far to benefit from the �400m Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS).

The FAS was set up in 2004 to assist thousands of UK workers who lost their pensions when schemes went bust.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the payments were just the start.

Long campaign

Around 800 workers at ASW in Cardiff lost most of their occupational pensions, as well as their jobs, when the firm collapsed in July 2002.

Many of the Cardiff workers embarked on a long campaign to put pressure on government for the restoration of their pension and to introduce laws to end future insecurity over occupational pension funds.

Former ASW John Benson said the 'injustice' had destroyed him

In May 2004, the UK government announced the �400m FAS would be established, to help many of an estimated 80,000 people whose pension schemes collapsed between January 1997 and April 2005.

It raised hopes that the ASW workers and others who had lost pensions would receive their entitlement.

But figures for the scheme, which began in September 2005, have shown that just 13 - all from ASW in Cardiff - have so far been compensated.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "The Financial Assistance Scheme started making payments to the ASW workers most in need in December 2005.

"But this is just a start and we know that much more needs to be done to ensure that all those eligible receive the help they need.

"We have been working closely with the ASW trustees so that we can identify the eligibility of the workers and the level of help required."

But John Benson, a former ASW worker who has been campaigning for compensation, told BBC Radio Wales the payments had been too slow.

ASW's Cardiff plant closed down in July 2002

"It's obvious that the �400m wasn't enough. I think these payments should have been made around a year ago," said Mr Benson, who is one of those waiting for a payout.

When asked if the ex-ASW workers should be more patient in waiting for payments, Mr Benson said: "No I don't - four of them have already died, many are in ill health and many have had to sell their homes.

"There are widows in a desperate situation.

"It's destroyed me - I'm one of the innocent victims of this injustice.

"I still can't come to terms with being treated so badly."

Mr Benson added: "We were doing everything right - I was told when I joined the scheme 38 years ago that it was the best thing you could ever do and our pension was sacrosanct.

"(The campaign) has carried on for the past three-and-a-half years and will carry on."