We are not safely beyond a 【backlash】 against the new world competition.

If companies can’t get their products 【distributed】 nationwide, marketing them will be more expensive.

The real estate has increasingly become 【vulnerable】 to business setbacks and changes of economic climate.

At five o’clock in the afternoon the city streets are a series of 【bottlenecks】.

We had a 【dispute】 about how much money he owes me.

The 【bilateral】 surplus with America is also growing rapidly.

There were several 【rounds】 of negotiation before China entered WTO.

The economic crisis has seriously 【affected】 French exports.

Falling sales in Thailand were 【offset】 by strong performances in other markets.

Passage 1Holst and Company, a member of the Northwest Holst Group, has introduced flexible working hours for all its staff at its head office. It claims to be the first UK construction company to do this. The three-month trial period is being conducted with the approval of the overwhelming majority of the head offices. All 150 employees must be at their job during the “core time” from 10 am to 4 pm, less a one-our lunch break. They may choose arrival and departure times from 8 to 10 am and 4 to 6 pm. 150 hours have to be put in over each four week period. Credit or debit time of up to 7 and 1/2 hours may be carried forward to the next four-week period. Hengstler Flextime recording equipment is being used for the trial. The managing director of Holst, Mr Colin Cashmore, commented, “This is an exercise in responsibility. We regard our staff as very responsible people and it is only on this basis that the flexible working hours system can succeed.” He emphasized that if after the trial a majority of the staff was opposed to the system, it would not be continued. If, on the other hand, it proved successful, the company would consider extending Flextime to its other offices throughout the country.Statements:42.The Northwest Holst Group has introduced flexible working hours for all its staff at its head office.