Miners are returning to work at a pit in South Yorkshire for just one day before going back on strike.

The National Union of Mineworkers' legal advisors believe that by returning to work for the day the workforce can avoid being dismissed.

The pit has been at a standstill since August 15 because of a dispute over the amount of coal which workers are supposed to produce to qualify for bonus payments.

Under employent legislation brought in by the Labour Government, a striking workforce is protected against dismissal for eight weeks.

Second ballot

But the legality of staying out for more than eight weeks has not yet been tested in the courts.

Workers say bonus payments can make up to a third of their wages and the target of 21,500 tonnes of coal is too high.

The NUM has held a second ballot over the second period of industrial action at Rossington.