The Rhondda Leader last week ran my column under a picture of Council Leader Russell Roberts and his by-line. I have complained. Here is what I wrote:
Over the summer I have been supporting Remploy workers in Porth as they face huge uncertainty about the future of their jobs. I visited the factory in Dinas at the end of July and voiced 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 Report recommended 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 on these issues, I have been pleased to re-emphasise the Welsh Labour Government’s opposition to the closure of Remploy factories in Wales. In this capacity, I have made it clear that:
“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.”
Welsh Government 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.
The factory in Dinas is doing serious work in the important fields of computer recycling and data cleansing - high-tech work which is genuinely advanced and productive.
Meanwhile, many congratulations to students at local secondary schools and at Coleg Morgannwg on their performance in this year’s A Level, Welsh Bacc and GCSE exams. It was great to see the successes so many young people have been having locally. Congratulations also to the local teachers and head-teachers, and college lecturers, who have supported them so ably.
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