Over the past two months I have been supporting Remploy workers in Porth as they face huge uncertainty about the future of their jobs. I have written about this issue a few times, as well as visiting workers at the factory towards the end of July and voicing my support for their protest in August.
Following a review commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, the UK Tory-led Government is consulting on the future of Remploy factories across the UK, including nine in Wales. The Sayce Reportrecommended that UK government funding should be redirected away from Remploy factories and towards helping individuals find employment in the open labour market. Remploy currently employ more than 400 workers in Wales.
As the Welsh Government Minister responsible for dialogue with the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, I have been pleased to re-emphasise the Welsh Government’s opposition to the closure of Remploy factories in Wales. In this capacity, I have responded to a letter from Rebecca Evans AM, which raised concerns about the future of Remploy in Mid and West Wales:
“Remploy currently deliver essential services for disabled people and a number of Welsh communities rely on Remploy factories as they are a major employer within their area.”
“As such, the Welsh Assembly Government will oppose any factory closures vigorously given our concern regarding the impact of our local communities and our economy. This remains the current position of the Welsh Government.”
As stated in my letter to Rebecca Evans AM, my officials are currently preparing a response to the UK Government’s consultation, which will build on the evidence I previously submitted to the Sayce Review. I have re-emphasised the Welsh Government’s opposition to factory closures in our communities and I will continue to support workers in my constituency during their battle to keep their jobs and protect employment opportunities for disabled people in the Rhondda.
Being physically disabled myself I am concerned about the closure of remploy factories in Wales. Not all disabled people can work in any other environment.
I am now retired but I was fortunate enough to be able to start up a business from home. Again not all disabled people will be able to do this. I live in Talgarth and have no transport so coming to meetings may be difficult. However if I can support in any other way I will do so. I am a member of Brecon Labour Party.
Posted by: sarah williams | Monday, 19 September 2011 at 12:52 PM