Jarvis rail has taken a lot of stick in recent years.

I write as an employee. Over the past six years I have had three years off sick, in four different spells after six operations and was paid all the time I was off.

The welfare rang me to offer any help that I might need, and also made home visits.

My working bosses and colleagues were very helpful and since the company has been taken over, my working week is 35 hours and my wage has doubled since the BR days. Jarvis also supplies excellent working clothing.

In the past three weeks I have had my 35 years' service award. I received £400 in vouchers and my wife was given a bouquet of flowers. We were picked up at home and taken to the Agar Arms for a steak meal and all our drinks paid for, then dropped off at home by my supervisor and his wife.

We had a lovely evening and I would just like to say that Jarvis can't be that bad.

D Edge,

Elmpark View,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 09:48 Tuesday, July 20, 2004