Nine more Remploy factory closures announced

Nine Remploy factories—including the last five in Scotland—are to close, and 234 people with disabilities will be made redundant as a result.

The factories to close are Frontline Textiles and Marine Textiles, based in Dundee, Stirling, Clydebank, Leven, and Cowdenbeath, and Remploy’s Packaging business, based in Norwich, Portsmouth, Burnley, and Sunderland.

These closures follow a commercial process in which Remploy invited bids from individuals and organisations interested in buying all or parts of its remaining businesses. Eighteen sites were proposed for closure. No viable bids were received for Frontline Textiles, Marine Textiles, or Packaging.

All 284 employees at the sites – including 234 with disabilities – are now under threat of redundancy.

However, there was better news for the other 9 Remploy sites. The E-Cycle, Automotive and Furniture and CCTV businesses have all received interest from parties looking to take them over, and negotiations are on-going.

First concern for employees

In a statement to parliament, Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey, said: “Our first concern must be Remploy employees… all employees affected [by this announcement] will be supported by the £8 million tailored package of support to help them move into mainstream work.”

McVey added that some Remploy sites that have already closed have been reopened as social enterprises or new businesses and have re-employed former Remploy workers.

Of those former Remploy employees with disabilities who have already been made redundant, currently 1,103 are working with personal case workers to find another job, while 328 are on Work Choice undertaking training and other activities to move them closer to employment. Meanwhile, 400 are in work, McVey added.

‘Cruel and callous decision’

However, trade union Unite has hit out against the “cruel and callous” decision. Unite regional officer Kevin Hepworth said: “This cruel announcement continues the unrelenting attacks on disabled workers. No one dresses up this latest statement can realistically access promises and funding.

“It is the wrong time to close these factories – the better option would be to create community hubs helping the unemployed, disabled, and other disadvantaged people.

“The government has turned its back on the disabled in Scotland by closing the last five Remploy sites there.

“Yet again, this coalition lives up to its reputation for callousness and cruelty to some of the most vulnerable people who want to contribute to society by working.

“They are being thrown onto the scrap heap when unemployment remains very high, especially if you have a disability. Unite will continue to give every assistance possible to its Remploy members now and in the future.”

LDT Editor

See Full Bio