A LEADING provider of employment services for the disabled and disadvantaged people today (Tuesday, April 7) left government ownership exactly 70 years after the organisation was formed.

Remploy celebrated the anniversary and the start of an new era with the launch of a joint venture between Maxium, an international provider of health and employment services, and Remploy employees who have been given a 30 per cent stake in the new business.

The event was marked by members of staff in Newcastle with the release of 70 balloons.

Established to provide training and employment after the Second World War for injured and disabled ex-service personnel and miners, Remploy has evolved into an organisation that supports disabled people into mainstream employment.

Since 2010 it has supported almost 100,000 people with a range of disabilities and health conditions into work.

Beth Carruthers, Remploy’s chief executive said: “This is the most exciting day for Remploy since our formation 70 years ago.

“Our exit from government ownership means we are now free to expand, move into new markets, borrow to grow and pursue international opportunities.

“Maximus brings commercial knowledge and expertise to the joint venture and will work with Remploy to build on its existing success.

“We will still be called Remploy and, crucially, we will continue doing what we do best – transforming the lives of people with disabilities and health conditions by supporting them into sustainable long term jobs.”

Remploy’s joint venture with Maximum means that for the first time Remploy employees will have a stake in the company and two seats on the board.