Remploy final throw of the dice

LAST-ditch talks to save Oldham’s Remploy factory will be staged when a local MP meets the Government Minister for Disabled People.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher is to meet with Maria Miller on April 30 following the announcement that the local Remploy factory is among 36 of the 54 set for closure.

It is hoped progress will be made to spare the factory — that employs 115 — on the basis that it could be financially viable.

He hopes efforts by himself and the council to map out a future for the factory over the last six months could halt the decision.

Mr Meacher said: “Work is taking place to present proposals to the minister at this meeting that will show that the Oldham factory has a viable future.”

It follows reports that redundancies are set to be completed by August 17, with unions raising concerns about job losses that could come as early as the first week in July.