IN the mid-Nineties British Coal tried to introduce a flexible working package, worse than the present one.

They were unsuccessful because some employees refused to sign up for it.

Roy Vann, of Stillingfleet National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), refused it, Brian Woods of Wistow NUM signed for it.

How things can turn around. Incidentally, those who signed for the first one were paid a lump sum of £6,000.

J Davies,

Springfield Drive,

Barlby,

Selby.

Updated: 11:29 Thursday, February 12, 2004