'Cruel' announcement by government for Remploy workers
Today's announcement of the closure of a further nine Remploy factories was branded as “the cruel actions of a callous government” by Unite, the country's largest union.
Minister for the disabled Esther McVey said that about 234 disabled workers are at risk of redundancy as nine further Remploy factories face closure, including the last five in Scotland.
Unite regional officer Kevin Hepworth said:
"This cruel announcement continues the unrelenting attacks on disabled workers. This latest statement is dressed up by promises and funding that no one can realistically access.
"It is totally the wrong time to close these factories – the better option would be to create community hubs helping the unemployed disabled and other disadvantaged unemployed 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 make a contribution 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.”
