Aberavon MP asks Parliamentary questions on Remploy
13th March 2012
Dr Hywel Francis MP for Aberavon asked Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan for a statement on whether she has had discussions with other ministers, the Welsh Government, trade unions and disability groups on the future of Remploy factories in Wales.
Dr Francis has been told that discussion had taken place with both Welsh Government Ministers and ministerial colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions as the lead Department, particularly in light of the Sayce review recommendations last July. The Secretary of State requested details from officials of the Department for Work and Pensions on Welsh proposals.
Dr Francis commented
‘It is very important that Welsh Office Ministers should respond to all positive proposals which seek to protect the work of Remploy and their disabled employees. Welsh Government Ministers, trade unions and Welsh Labour MPs are all coming forward with constructive proposals to assist disabled people in Wales and these proposals need to be considered and implemented.’
Written Question - 13th March 2012
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Welsh Government, (b) trade unions and (c) disability groups on the future of Remploy factories in Wales; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the recent announcement of proposed closures of Remploy factories in Wales; and if she will make a statement.
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have discussed the future of Remploy factories in Wales with both Welsh Government Ministers and ministerial colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions as the lead Department, particularly in light of the Sayce review recommendations last July. The Secretary of State requested details from officials of the Department for Work and Pensions on the Welsh proposals.
The Remploy Board will consider proposals for the exit of parts of businesses or contracts from those factories proposed for closure along with other proposals for avoiding compulsory redundancies. Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, all disabled employees in every location will receive a comprehensive personalised package of support to help them into alternative employment.
