Minister praises companies who went “extra mile” to employ former Remploy staff
15 May 2014 04:25 PM
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