The Welsh Government has voiced its opposition to UK Government plans to close Remploy factories across Wales – including the plant at Croespenmaen.
The company was founded in 1945 to offer employment to people with disabilities and makes a wide variety of products.
But a new Government report states its £63 million subsidy would be better spent elsewhere.
The Sayce Report – penned by the Royal Association for Disability Rights’ chief executive Liz Sayce – has recommended a support system for individuals working in mainstream jobs.
Consultation on the report, which was published earlier this year, has now ended.
Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills, said: “In Wales, Remploy factories play an important role for their employees, the families and carers of people with disabilities and long-term health issues who want to have a full, useful working life but face substantial obstacles in the open labour market. I have made this point in the evidence I provided to the Sayce review in February of this year.
“I have also outlined my position with respect to Remploy and other matters considered in the review, in my recent response to the UK Government’s consultation on the review’s recommendations.
“In my response, I stated clearly that I and the Welsh Government disagree with any factory closures in Wales, and that we will vigorously oppose such closures. I have requested that the UK Government reconsider some of the conclusions of the review. I have also suggested that some of the evidence should be analysed in more detail, with a specific view on Wales, and that the financial aspects of some recommendation should be explored in more detail.”
Mr Andews added: “Attempts to close Remploy factories are not new, and whilst it has to be accepted that Remploy needs to change to reflect changing economic and labour market conditions, I believe that there are alternatives to closing factories that serve people who are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the labour market. The evidence available to me appears to indicate that the closure of sheltered and supported employment is not a solution that would serve such groups well, and that it would be unfair to remove this option from the choices available to disabled people.”
The Croespenmaen Remploy factory employs a total of 45 staff and manufactures packaging and print products. It first opened its doors in 1986 and this year underwent a massive upgrade with its machines.