British Coal and the government's problem would be if the men don't volunteer.
British Coal has had an option to mine the site for the past ten years.
British Coal estimated the number of job losses at 5,800.
British Coal therefore needs to continue its efforts to raise productivity still further.
British Coal welcomed the 'chance to fight for a competitive future'.
He does, however, have some general advice for anyone coming into British Coal from the outside.
The whole complex was closed by British Coal in 1988.
I mean we will be working with British Coal to work it out further in fine detail.
British Coal has reserved the right to take out what machinery it wants elsewhere.
British Coal will be returned to the private sector.