Fight to preserve Remploy factories gets support

Published 19 Oct 2011 08:00 2 Comments

MP Gordon Brown visited the Remploy factory in Cowdenbeath on Thursday along with Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty and pledged his support to fight for the continuation of the factory against the ongoing threat of closure.

The UK Government have commissioned a report into the future of employment support programmes for disabled people and the author, Liz Sayce, has recommended an end to all grant aid funding for Remploy.

The Government are now consulting on the report but have stated they are 'minded to accept the recommendations of the Sayce review.'

Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty said, "I am pleased to be here today in Fife to join with Gordon Brown in demonstrating our support for the continuation of this and the other Remploy factories across the country.

"It is a worrying time for all the workers in Remploy and it is important that we send a clear message to the Government that it would be both wrong and in economic terms foolish to abandon these Remploy factories".

Both men met with workers and management and heard about the work going on at the site.

MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Mr Brown told the Times, "I have been a regular visitor to this factory over all the years I have been an MP and the level of commitment here is second to none.

"This factory has been producing garments and protective clothing for our armed forces and public services and has a record of producing to the highest levels.

"I have always been clear that as well as developing the employment services arm of Remploy's activities, there is still very much a place for supported employment opportunities through the Remploy factory network and I will continue to join with the workers and their trade unions to make that case.

"I have worked with Remploy and their trade unions over many years to achieve a sustainable development plan that will see factories remain open and their skilled workers remain in employment, we cannot abandon them now".

Local shop steward Linda Menzies said, "We were please to welcome Gordon back to the site and to welcome Pat Rafferty to Cowdenbeath. We will not give up on our fight to protect jobs and will work with all those who wish to help us achieve out goal".

Remploy is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions since its creation in 1945.

Its mission is to 'increase the employment opportunities of disabled people and those who experience complex barriers to work'.

In 2006/7 the Remploy organisation went under a major review, resulting in the Modernisation Plan, covering a five year period from April 2008 - 2013.

As of February there were 2,270 disabled people employed in Remploy factories (known as "enterprise business") across the UK

Gordon Brown has written to the Minister for Disabled People urging her to look carefully at the strengths of the Remploy model and to support the continuation of the factories in Fife and across the country.

Mr Brown added, "The Remploy model is best illustrated by the success of the Cowdenbeath Remploy factory, and must remain part of any future planning for supported employment".

The Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP who has been a long time champion of Remploy has expressed concern that the factory and its sister facility in Leven could close as part of a review of the operation throughout the UK.

Said the MP, "I am a regular visitor to Remploy in Cowdenbeath and I have always been bowled over by the commitment of the staff and very impressed by the quality of its work The staff meet the highest quality standards and export to many countries overseas.

"I have always applauded and continue to applaud the team spirit which gives Remploy such a good working atmosphere and contributes to its success. I want a reassurance that the current Remploy model, albeit it with adjustments, will remain a part of any future planning for supported employment."

Tweet

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Glue
  Unregistered User
  Jan 29, 13:56
  Report comment

  It's come to something when the best job opportunities in the area are at Remploy. No more boom and bust, eh, Gordon?
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Saor Alba
  Unregistered User
  Mar 3, 13:41
  Report comment

  Maybe if Brown's cowboy tactics with the bankers and the bullet makers during his time as chancellor and PM didn't bankrupt the country, then companies like Remploy would be thriving now. Bit of a hard neck from Brown to complain when the economy is in ruins thanks to him. I have zero time for Tories, but I have to say I feel a bit sorry for them having to pick up the pieces of Labour's destruction of the national economy, which is now filtering down to real people who cannot claim for duck pond houses on expenses like these MPs do. You been to work at the Commons lately Broon? Oh aye, twice in a year so you've definately earned your MPs wage.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @dunfermlinep