Remploy glimmer of hope?

OLDHAM’S Remploy factory could be thrown a lifeline.

MP Michael Meacher, who represents Oldham West and Royton, wants the decision over the future of the Ashton Road factory to be delayed.

This he hopes will give the business more time to establish itself and become self-serving before Government funding is withdrawn.

It follows an announcement that the factory, that employs 107 disabled and eight non-disabled workers, could close before the end of the year.

The local base is the biggest employer on the national phase one list that could see 36 of 54 factories close.

Mr Meacher said: “I believe the Oldham factory has a future and I have written to the Minister for the Disabled, Maria Miller asking that the Oldham factory is re-assigned to stage two.

“This would allow 18 months to put plans in place that would make the factory more financially viable.

“Fourteen other factories have been assigned to this band.”

Mr Meacher says he has already been working closely with Remploy staff to come up with a plan that could save the factory.

He argues that a significant amount of work has already been done with staff, Oldham Council and the private sector in an attempt to increase income and bring new work to the factory that currently makes double glazing units.

It is hoped that by delaying the decision there could be more time for the effects of the work to come to fruition.

Mr Meacher added: “I feel there is a way forward for the Oldham factory if the minister would use a little flexibility and allow the plant to proceed to stage two.”