I RECENTLY re-read a project I did for a History A-level which focused on the origins of a local textile employers association.

My research highlighted, among other things, the practice of 'slating' in weaving sheds during the 19th century. When employees did not reach their quota of work, their name was written on a slate. This is where we get the term 'slated' from.

The following day, a colleague told me about her daughter who works in a call centre. The company have a policy of making employees stand to do their phone calling if they have not met their quota of phone calls.

The girl has a bad back and reached the stage when she could not longer stoop over her desk all day, so she was asked to leave.

Apparently, this naming and shaming of employees is not uncommon and a modern means of slating is used by displaying names electronically on computer. It seems to be more common in places where young, unskilled people are employed who are not in a position to challenge the practice.

I was appalled. In schools today, children learn about these outdated work conditions in history lessons and yet they are still being used in the 21st century.

JULIE HARRIS, Cornwall Road, Rishton.