WIREDGOV

Companies in South Wales have been praised for going the extra mile in helping former Remploy workers back into employment by the Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert yesterday 

The Minister made his comments during visits to firms in Pontyclun and Bridgend (15 May) to meet workers and to thank their new employers. A total of 29 former Remploy workers have started work with the companies. These companies represent a wider range of more than 90 businesses who have offered new employment opportunities to disabled former Remploy workers through the Employer Support Grant.

Minister Jeff Cuthbert said:

“I would like to thank all those who have gone the extra mile and who have worked with us to help the former Remploy workers through the Welsh Government’s Employer Support Grant.

“Our help to former Remploy staff, who faced an uncertain future after the UK Government made the decision to close the Remploy factories in Wales, is an example of the Welsh Government’s values. We opposed the decision to close the Remploy factories in Wales and asked the UK Government to take a more constructive approach, including handing us responsibility for Remploy in Wales and an appropriate share of the budget.

“When this was rejected we took action to help those who faced unemployment and this support represents the biggest single issue that shows the difference between our response and that of the UK Government.”

The four companies in Bridgend and Pontyclun are:

• Espack Eurologistoca, of New Street, Bridgend, with 15 jobs starts.
• Automaster, of Llywna Farm, Llanharry Road, Bryndsadler, Pontyclun, with five jobs starts.
• Vision Products, of Coedcae Lane Industrial Estate, Coedcae Lane, Pontyclun, with six job starts.
• Sigma 3 Kitchens, of Llantrisant Business Park, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, with three job starts.

In 2012 the UK Government revealed plans to close the Remploy factories across Wales.  In response, the Welsh Government took action and launched the Employer Support Grant (ESG) scheme to offer financial support for employers looking to provide work to eligible disabled Remploy workers and for workers setting up their own businesses. The policy is supported with more than £2 million of funding.

So far the support grant has helped find work for a total of 231 former Remploy workers across Wales