DIY rescue for Remploy?

DISABLED workers facing the axe at Oldham’s Remploy factory have been told there is hope for their jobs — if they can take over the business.

The Government plans to set aside only £300,000 to help disabled workers take over the 36 centres earmarked for the axe.

Yesterday, the Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller said the money — an average £8,300 for each factory facing closure — would pay for lawyers and accountants to advise on rescue proposals.

She added: “We want to encourage as many employees to come forward as possible.

“This money will help support employees to put together credible bids to safeguard the jobs of disabled people.”

The GMB union says £300,000 isn’t enough, and is a fraction of the millions being taken away from Remploy.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said: “What is needed is genuine support — the Minister promised this in her statement but I’ve yet to see anything meaningful.”

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher and Remploy workers will meet Mrs Miller on Monday.

“We will tell the minister how Oldham has an order book of more than £2 million and prospects of more,” he said.

The factories, set up after World War Two lose £63 million a year; the average taxpayer subsidy is £25,000 a worker, compared to £2,900 to support a disabled person in a mainstream job.