TORY AND Lib-Dem MPs have approved cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which will come into force on November 27.

From this date, the vast majority of innocent victims of violent crime will no longer be eligible for any compensation or will have any award for their injuries or loss of earnings substantially reduced.

So if you, or anyone you know, has sustained injuries as the result of crime, they should contact the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on 0300 003 3601 and make a claim by November 26 at the latest. Members of Usdaw and many other unions will have a free legal helpline they can call or Victim Support can help you make a claim.

Usdaw thinks these cuts are unnecessary and callous and will continue to campaign to reverse them. If you agree, then please contact your MP and let him or her know what you think about cutting support for victims of crime.

John Hannett, General Secretary of Usdaw, Wilmslow Road, Manchester.