The colliery was closed in 2005 after floodwaters made the mine unsafe and as a result the company was unable to give workers the statutory 90-day redundancy notice.

BBC News reported the court decision favoured the 350 former workers, represented by the National Union of Mineworkers, who will receive three months wages plus interest.

According to the BBC report a spokesperson for UK Coal said the company would seek legal advice as to whether to contest the ruling.

It said the closure of the mine was an act of nature and the company had not determined the fate of the mine prior to its flooding.