Government needs to lift veil of secrecy over final Remploy closures
Britain's largest union Unite called on the government and secretary of state for work and pensions Iain Duncan Smith to come clean over its 'final act of callousness' as it emerged that the last remaining Remploy factories are to close.
Calling on the government and the company to stop hiding behind a veil of secrecy, the union questioned why bids for the furniture business in Blackburn, Neath Port Talbot and Sheffield were not deemed viable.
The union also questioned why unions and the workforce were deliberately being kept in the dark over 'potentially viable' bids for the automotive factories in Birmingham, Coventry and Derby.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said:
“Iain Duncan Smith and the company need to stop hiding behind a veil of secrecy and explain why in this final act of callousness no bids were deemed viable.
“The workforce has been kept in the dark and face a future of fear and insecurity as this cruel government consigns them to a life on the dole.
“Remploy has provided employment and dignity in a safe and secure environment for thousands of disabled people. The closure of all Remploy factories by the end of year is a shameful act, by a shameful government.”
