Remploy plants closure confirmed
I have dedicated a large part of my spare time to supporting people with learning difficulties.If you would like to know more have a look at (www.landmarks.ac.uk). I know therefore that supported employment gives people with learning disabilities the best chance of dignity and value in the labour market. This article explains how in the context of new policy the focus has changed to seeking to support them in the labour market as individuals. It tells us;
“The Government announced in March that Remploy was planning to close 36 of its 54 factories, putting more than 1,700 jobs at risk.
The factories were established 66 years ago as part of the creation of the welfare state.
Workers are employed in enterprises that vary from furniture and packaging manufacturing to recycling electrical appliances and operating CCTV systems and control rooms.
The Government said money from the disability employment budget should be reinvested into other schemes to help disabled people find work.”
An interesting idea however there is little evidence that people with transferable skills and potential labour market flexibility can find work at the moment. I am intrigued therefore to see how this group of chllenged individuals will be supported going forward. Whilst reflecting on marginalised groups in the labour market you could also do worse than read the excellent new CRC report on the challenges rural young people.