Randerson Saddened by Remploy Decision

1.02.00pm GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

Intervention from Peter Hain looks to have failed to prolong the life of the Treforest Remploy Factory. The factory which employs a number of Cardiff Central residents is due for closure under the proposal submitted to the Secretary of State. This came about after long negotiations between unions and Remploy.

Cardiff AM Jenny Randerson said "A disabled constituent, who worked for Remploy for 31 years, contacted me regarding his future employment prospects. He is too young to take a pension and wants to continue his working career and actively contribute to society. This will obviously be made more difficult the further away factories are.

"Although workers have been told that they may be able to transfer to other factories and that assistance packages will be put into practice to assist in finding alternative employment locally, these options may not be suitable for all. I strongly believe that the factory has a vital role to play within the Cardiff valleys community and that the workers deserve a fairer deal.

"There is a continued need for supported employment for some Cardiffians because mainstream employment is not suitable for everyone. When myself and Jenny Willott MP visited Treforest we were impressed with the opportunities provided. The people working there are highly skilled but may struggle to find employment in a less supportive workplace."

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