THERE are two ways of looking at the latest development in the Kays saga. On the one hand, cynics might say that management's placing of the ball in the union court is merely a delaying tactic, just a way of postponing the inevitable.

Alternatively, others might regard the notion of a workers-driven solution as being a golden opportunity to prove to the company that the Bransford Road warehouse site is a truly viable facility.

This newspaper veers towards the more optimistic theory - for as we've said before, the loss of 700 jobs in Worcester just cannot be countenanced at this time. Failure must not yet be a word in our vocabulary.

Make no mistake, it is a formidable task that lies ahead. Over the next two months, the unions must provide a comprehensive action plan to the board of Littlewoods Direct.

This document should be light on emotion, yet top-heavy with facts, figures and logistics. The negotiators will need to have an answer for every question, responses at the ready when the accountants seek to trip them at every opportunity. Whatever strategy is proposed, it should be completely watertight.

While we are under no illusions that the final decision will be made on purely financial grounds, the fact that the staff are so eager to find a solution must surely impress those who will ultimately decide.

This newspaper wishes the unions well in the fight for their members' livelihoods. So take heart - right now, there's everything to play for.