IN the summer, we questioned the Government’s decision to close Remploy factories employing disabled workers.
In doing so, we recognised that, in an ideal world, the theory behind the closures, and spending Remploy’s £320m budget on helping disabled people find mainstream work, had some justification.
In a modern, forward-thinking society, we should try to avoid segregating disabled people into their own workplaces – a view shared by respected charities such as Disability Rights UK and Mencap.
But we all know it is not an ideal world – far from it – and with the Government confirming that the age of austerity is far from over, even wellqualified, experienced people are struggling to find jobs.
Back in July, we expressed concerns about the likely reality of the Remploy closures: suggesting many of the displaced workers would find it impossible to get mainstream jobs.
Our front page today highlights the fact that out of the 168 staff made redundant at Remploy factories in the North-East and North Yorkshire, only 18 are now in employment.
The figures come as the Department for Work and Pensions announces a further ten likely closures, including a packaging factory in Sunderland, employing 34 people.
In the light of the evidence so far, that the theory isn’t working, surely further closures should be put on hold while the economic slump continues.
These are some of the most vulnerable people in our society and they should not be cast adrift.
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