Wrexham Remploy Factory Set For Closure

Wrexham’s Remploy factory has been put forward for closure which could result in redundancies for its 41 disabled employees.

Remploy is proposing to close 36 of its 54 factories which it believes are no longer commercially viable with the Wrexham office furniture factory one of those earmarked for closure.

The Remploy Board has proposed a series of significant changes to its operations as a result of the UK government’s decision to reduce current funding for Remploy.

The government accepted the recommendations of the Sayce Review which reported that in future government funding should be used to maximise the support for disabled people rather than subsidise organisations like Remploy.

Speaking for the Welsh Government Education Minister Leighton Andrews said: “We are profoundly disappointed with the decision by the UK Govt to reduce its current subsidy to Remploy. This has wide-reaching implications not only for the lives of individuals, but also for families and communities across Wales.

“It is clear that Wales has been disproportionately hit by the closures announced. This announcement will be devastating for those workers, their families and the local communities.

“We will wish to explore with Remploy what may be done to maintain the factories in Wales. We will examine closely the options for future support for the factories in Wales, including the development of social enterprises.”

In recent years there has been a hard fought campaign to keep the Wrexham factory open supported by the town’s MP Ian Lucas.

Mr Lucas has condemned the UK government for backing the closures, he said: “This is a hammer blow from the government and is a quite appalling decision.

“I believe the Wrexham factory is viable and met with Remploy management only last Friday to discuss plans for a large contract for the factory to supply kitchens to our local housing stock.

“Ministers had refused to work with me to share information with me about the Wrexham plant, stating that as they were still considering their approach to Remploy, it would be inappropriate to release information.

“Their approach to Remploy is now clear, they wish to close factories across the country, including in Wrexham so I hope they will now share the information so I can work to save the plant locally.

“I will be raising the issue in the house today and want to see the Minister today to make clear how wrong I think this decision is.”

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said: “Through taking this approach to Remploy, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition UK government is showing the callousness of its approach to the lives of vulnerable people. My thoughts are with the employees at this worrying time.

“Remploy is an excellent initiative and anyone who has met the employees there knows just how valuable the work it provides can be to them.”

Remploy will now consult with its trade unions and the management forums on the potential compulsory redundancy of 1,752 employees.

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