UK Coal confirms Thoresby pit closure date

UK Coal, the owners of Thoresby and Kellingley pits, have confirmed further details about the closure of the two mines.

They say that the reported date of Thoresby pit closing between 3-10th July is incorrect. Thoresby will cease production on 24th July - and it is on that date that the bulk of the staff, believed to be around 300 people will be made redundant.

If they finish this 'phase' of production early, they may not have to work until that date, but they will be on the books until 24th July.

A 'handful' will remain employed for another couple of months to ensure the safe closure of the mine.

In terms of Kellingley, 205 members of staff will be told about redundancy tomorrow (Saturday) and they will be made redundant before the end of July.

There are currently around 600 staff at Kellingley, so that will leave about 400 employed until it closes on 10th December.