A letter to Remploy employees shows that the business is doing well despite claims to the contrary from the UK Government, Plaid Cymru claims.
The letter, from Remploy Enterprise Businesses’ managing director Alan Hill, states employees congratulates the workers on a 12.2% growth in sales, an almost 17% reduction in costs and a 27.9% overall improvement in the Operating Result.
Lindsay Whittle, South Wales East AM and Plaid Cymru’s equalities spokesman, said the letter – which has been leaked to the party – demonstrates that Remploy can have a sustainable future.
He said: “These figures prove that the UK Government’s intention to close Remploy factories is a thinly veiled attack on the welfare state. It shows that there is absolutely no justification for the government’s plans, except as a continuation of its attack on welfare recipients. What is most worrying is that is shows that the government has misled the public in order to justify its cuts.
“This is why we want the budget and responsibility for Remploy to be devolved to Wales. Plaid Cymru has been calling for this for many years, and if the Welsh Government is opposed to the cuts then it would appear that it has no other option. Let’s see the budget and responsibility for Remploy devolved to Wales so that it can be protected.
“Remploy is a successful, important part of Welsh industry and the figures show that it has a bright future. Let’s protect this important body and the Welsh workers who are a part of it.”
Seven of Wales’ nine Remploy factories have been earmarked for closure with 272 disabled workers’ jobs at risk. They include those at Abertillery, Croespenmaen, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.
Founded in 1945, Remploy offers employment to people with disabilities and makes a wide variety of products. The closure of Croespenmaen will see 44 workers lose their jobs.
The Welsh Government has published the support available to threatened Remploy workers online.
In a statement it said it is working on a number of solutions to support disabled workers whose jobs are under threat.
All the relevant information, links and signposts are now available at www.business.wales.gov.uk/remploy
The Minister for Education and Skills Leighton Andrews said: “We remain profoundly disappointed with the decision by the UK Government to reduce its current subsidy to Remploy, resulting in the closure of factories here in Wales.
“I have asked the UK government to devolve funding for Remploy factories in Wales for the next three years, and I will continue to apply pressure on this matter.
“Although it is for the UK Government, not the Welsh Government, to bear the responsibility for its decision on Remploy we will do everything in our power to support Remploy workers. Information on that support is now all available in one place online.”