Forty-three workers are to be made redundant after the UK Government announced the closure of Remploy in Croespenmaen.
The factory is among 36 Remploy factories across Britain that are being closed by the UK Government, which claims the £320 million budget for disabled employment services could be better spent.
In July this year the factory was given a stay of execution when it was announced that it was not among the first wave of Remploy closures.
Islwyn MP Chris Evans has condemned the UK Government for misleading Remploy workers and giving them hope their factory was to remain open.
The site has been open to business proposals over the past few months after plans were announced to find the factory a buyer earlier this summer. Since then there have been no offers for the site.
Mr Evans said: “This is a massively cruel blow to the workers at the Croespenmaen plant. They have faced a whole summer of uncertainty and have been led up the garden path by the government.
“I have visited the Croespenmaen plant several times over the past few months and I have seen first-hand how workers have continued to go about their work in a dignified and professional way despite not knowing how long they would have a job.
“The Government have shown what they think of Remploy workers by offering them months of false hope.”
The Welsh Government has previously called on the UK Government to devolve responsibility for Remploy.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “We have followed the advice of disability expert – Liz Sayce – to use the £320m protected budget for disability employment more effectively, to support more disabled people into mainstream jobs instead of loss-making segregated factories.
“We have put in place an £8m package of employment support for those affected, including a Personal Case Worker to help individuals with their future choices, as well as access to a personal budget.
“Workers can also access the expertise of Remploy Employment Services, which despite the difficult economic times over the past two years, has a good record of placing disabled and disadvantaged people into work.”
I wonder if anyone who contributes regularly to the pages of this publication, The Caerphilly Observer, would like to print a positive comment in respect this odious CONSERVATIVE government action???.
Come on all you Conservative or Lib Dem supporters, and there are still one or two of this rear breed left in the valley, lets see your courage and support for your government, and, anything you can you make of this move to reduce the opportunity for meaningful work, for infirm and disabled citizens. Cryptic comments unacceptable.