Miners appalled by "dark age" shifts

Miners are threatening industrial action after the UK's biggest coal producer announced plans in December to introduce flexible working at one of its pits.

The NUM has accused UK Coal of attempting to take the industry back to the "dark ages" by preparing for seven-days-a-week production at Kellingley colliery in Yorkshire. The union said it was "appalled" at the announcement, which came just after the government gave UK Coal £36m to develop its mines, and said it would resist the imposition of flexible working and would consider industrial action, if necessary.