Remploy branch set to close
PETER Roberts, Labour s Spokesperson for North East Cambridgeshire, said tonight he has contacted Cabinet Minister James Purnell MP following the news that the Wisbech branch of Remploy is to close. A hard fought campaign last year to keep it open result
PETER Roberts, Labour's Spokesperson for North East Cambridgeshire, said tonight he has contacted Cabinet Minister James Purnell MP following the news that the Wisbech branch of Remploy is to close.
A hard fought campaign last year to keep it open resulted in a change of heart by the government and a reprieve for Wisbech Remploy. However the future of the firm has been cast into doubt by the news that all of the 13 staff members currently employed at the branch have agreed to take voluntary redundancy.
Peter Roberts has also been in discussions with representatives from the trade union Unite, who have informed him of their concerns regarding the latest news.
Mick Doherty, Regional Industrial Organiser of the T&G Section of Unite the Union said "I am extremely disappointed about the announcement to close the Wisbech site.
"I can well understand why the employees have volunteered for their redundancy, it is because of a lack of commitment from Remploy's management and the major anxiety that they have all endured during the last two years. Our Union, none the less, is committed to fighting the proposed closure because of the real need to provide decent, secure, valued jobs in sheltered working environments for disabled people."
Peter Roberts added: "Whilst the 13 current members of staff have chosen to take voluntary redundancy, I stand alongside Unite in now having real concerns for the employment opportunities for current and future generations of disabled people in North East Cambridgeshire".
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"I will be writing to James Purnell MP, Cabinet Minister for Work and Pensions, asking whether a closure decision can be overturned, given previous assurances by Remploy. I will also ask what provisions are now being made for disabled people in North East Cambridgeshire and whether encouraging disabled people into mainstream employment is always the best option.
