Remploy set for closure

Oldham branch of Remploy: closure likely

MORE than 100 workers look set to lose their jobs with the announcement that Oldham’s Remploy Factory could shut by the end of the year.

Oldham will be hit the hardest under plans to close 36 of 54 Remploy factories nationally — with the Ashton Road branch being the single biggest employer on the list with a workforce of 115.

The announcement by the Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller will come as a blow to the 107 disabled and eight non-disabled workers at the factory.

The move, that has been labelled a “tragedy” by opposers, could potentially see more than 1,700 disabled workers across the country given compulsory redundancy.

The news has been described as “devastating” by union officials, who had hoped developments and future plans for the Oldham factory would materialise.

Workers were in tears as they were told the news yesterday, with managers allowing them to leave early to cope with the bombshell.

Shop steward Peter Williamson (56) has worked at the Oldham factory that produces double glazing units for the last four years, but has spent 26 years with Remploy.

He said: “People in the factory just broke down crying. Some come into work early for a chat and a laugh because they don’t have that in their home life because of their disabilities.

“We’ve half been expecting it, but many are still in disbelief.”

Across the North-West 260 jobs could go, including losses in Burnley, Blackburn and Heywood.

Staff in Oldham are hoping that the business could be taken over privately to save some of the positions, but even if it came off it would have to relocate or downsize.

The Government decision has been based on the grounds that the identified factories are unlikely to achieve independent financial viability.

Minister Maria Miller said that the £320 million budget for disability employment has been protected and that it will be spent on “proven employment programmes” to benefit many more disabled people.

A consultation with unions, who have already attacked the announcement, will begin shortly.

GMB regional organiser Brian Derbyshire, who represents Remploy workers, said: “It is such a shock, but particularly in Oldham as we had real hopes for the future. “Work was being done with the council and third parties to get work into the factory and we were really optimistic. Now it’s like the Government has pulled the carpet from under us, and this is devastating news for the community and the people.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher reacted with anger at the news.

He said: “To make these people out of work at this time, when unemployment is so high, is gratuitously cruel.

“This is destroying a public facility that is easily worth its money — I utterly deplore this decision and this is a tragic day for Oldham.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth said: “I will be pressing the Government on when the factory will close and what support is being given to workers to get another job.”