25th September 2007

Greens welcome news that thousands of manufacturing jobs for disabled people could be saved after an unexpected last-minute deal between unions and ministers.

Peter Hain, the work and pensions secretary, is expected to pledge a review of the closure of the 42 Remploy factories when he addresses the Labour conference.

Philip Booth, a spokesperson for Stroud District Green party said: “This is good news. Greens have supported the call for an end to the Remploy factory closures until a proper independent review has taken place."

Philip Booth who last month wrote to Remploy Trade Union Consortium in support of their case (see letter below) said: "Evidence has shown that compared to able-bodied workers, working class disabled people are far more likely to be employed at the lower end of the skill range under unfavourable terms and conditions. The Remploy trade union has negotiated excellent sick pay and holiday benefits and a final salary pension scheme, but workers now face losing their jobs and these hard-won rights.”

Last Friday Green MEP Jean Lambert MEP gave her full support to workers who were demonstrating in Brixton at 8.30am on Friday 21 September against the closure of the local Remploy factory which employs 51 people, 46 of whom are disabled. The decision by Remploy to close 43 factories across the UK would mean 2,300 disabled people face redundancy and a total of 3,000 workers could lose their jobs. 

Letter of support to Remploy:

To Phil Davies, Remploy Trade Union Consortium,

Thank you for your letter dated July 2007. Apologies for delay in replying.

You will be aware that the Green party has supported the union protests at Remploy. I endorse the words of Dr Joseph Healy, National Disability Advisor for the Green Party, when he said: "The Green Party calls upon the government to ensure the continued existence of Remploy and its staff and to follow up its stated intentions towards disabled people with a concrete decision to save their jobs, rather than meaningless platitudes about 'social inclusion'."

The reality is that if these factories close most of the workforce will be condemned to unemployment or working for a pittance in totally unsuitable jobs. Unemployment rates among disabled people are already sky high.

I would be happy to pass on information about the range of products and services to the current administration and Stroud District Council officers for consideration if that would be useful.

Cllr. Philip Booth,

Coordinator of the 5-strong Green party group at Stroud District Council,