Kieran fears for jobs of disabled workers

Kieran Greenwood, with details of the Sayce report, cherished his time working at the Remploy factory

‘Vital Remploy is supported’
A DISABLED worker is pleading with the Government to secure the future of Remploy in the borough.

Kieran Greenwood, from Chadderton, recently enjoyed a spell of employment at the company which employs disabled workers — his first job in seven years.

Kieran worked as an administrator at Remploy Oldham’s manufacturing site in Ashton Road, where he worked in payroll in the office during a six-month contract that ended this month.

But with redundancies being made and the results of a funding review imminent he was told there was no chance of him staying on.

Kieran (32), who is registered blind due to a hereditary degenerative condition that robs him of his sight, said: “I loved the job and being in the workplace.

“People had varying disabilities but across the board everyone got on so well and really helped each other out.

“Although many companies may have the policies in place to employ people with disabilities, Remploy actively put it into practice — they adapt to people’s needs well.”

He is now searching for work, but cherishes his time at the company where his younger brother, who suffers the same genetic condition, also works.

Kieran was registered blind in 1997, having attended Kaskenmoor School and studying business studies for two years at the Oldham College.

He also studied engineering for three years at a specialist school for the blind in Birmingham.

However, he is now worried about his future employment opportunities after Remploy union representatives warned the factories could be shut down under radical changes to funding.

The service was originally set up during the 1940s to provide sheltered accommodation and work for those with disabilities.

However, a recent independent report by Liz Sayce, the chief executive of disability charity Radar, recommended that the factory model was not suitable for the 21st century.

In response, the Government has recommended that funding should be based around disabled people themselves rather than specific institutions.

Regarding Remploy specifically, the report states that such reforms would see a “major impact” on the company, while revenue gained from reform would be pumped into supporting more disabled people to find work within mainstream services.

The future is uncertain for the 54 factories that employ 2,800 nationally, including the 100 workers at the Bardsley site.

The recommendations are currently out for public consultation until October 17.

Kieran provides a unique insight into life as a disabled jobseeker, adding: “Nowadays it is difficult for able-bodied or fit-for-work people to find a job.

“It’s so difficult for the disabled and I am limited to what I can do in my condition.

“I’ve spent years searching for jobs and I don’t want to be sat around doing nothing, I want to be out earning a living and meeting other people.”

He says it is vital companies like Remploy continue to be supported.

The Government says that money is being protected, but the way in which it is spent will change, arguing that an extra 35,000 disabled people could be helped into work as part of possible changes that aim to avoid the £63 million loss the factories make.

Michael Meacher, the Labour MP for Oldham West and Royton, is backing the fight to secure the future of the Bardsley factory and will meet Remploy employees and union representatives on Friday.

Those wishing to take part in the consultation can find out more information by going to the website at www.dwp.gov.uk/sayce-consultation.