WIREDGOV

The Welsh Government has extended the deadline for employers looking to apply to a highly successful support package that helps former Remploy workers find new jobs, it was announced today. 

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. The policy is supported with more than £2 million of funding.

The scheme was due to come to an end in April this year, but Welsh Ministers have decided to extend the deadline for applications to September 2014. The move also means that recruitment into jobs supported through the grant can go on until March 2015.

The latest figures show that so far the policy has helped 221 former Remploy workers find new work in over 80 businesses.  The panel that decides who receives the support has also approved 177 more posts, giving hope to disabled former Remploy staff still searching for work. It has also supported several start-up businesses, founded by disabled former Remploy workers, among them a new co-operative in Swansea and a successful management-led buyout in the Rhondda.

Making the announcement, Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said:

“We opposed the decision to close the Remploy factories in Wales from the start. We 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. 221 former Remploy workers have now found new jobs through our support. We are now extending the time businesses can apply to our scheme to make sure all those disabled former Remploy workers who could benefit have the opportunity to access new employment supported by the grant. We will continue to work tirelessly to help all those affected by the closure of Remploy to find fulfilling and accessible employment.”