Remploy jobs under threat

Welsh Remploy workers say they feel they've been 'thrown on the scrapheap' after the UK Government announced further closure plans, putting 140 more jobs at risk in Porth and Neath.

Six Remploy sites have already closed this year, including Wrexham and Merthyr Tydfil, with the loss of almost 300 jobs. The Bridgend factory will shut in March.

The UK Government argues the money for disabled employment services should be spent more effectively.

The Welsh Government has released a statement following an announcement from the Department for Work & Pensions that 140 Remploy jobs are at risk in Wales.

The Department for Work and Pensions says Remploy will invite expressions of interest to take over the running of the remaining factories from today.

Unite union has spoken out following news that hundreds more Remploy jobs are under threat across the UK, including 140 in Wales.

The UK Government said the decision was taken to close factories that are not financially viable because the money could be better used to support disabled workers.

Around 140 Remploy workers in Wales are at risk of losing their jobs under fresh closure plans, the UK Government has announced.

In Neath, 67 workers have been told they face compulsory redundancy, while in Porth 72 jobs are under threat.

Ministers announced earlier this year that a number of Remploy factories would close, saying that the budget for disabled employment services could be spent more effectively.

Across the UK 875 Remploy workers, including 682 disabled people, are now facing an uncertain future.

A ex-Remploy worker has established his own business to provide jobs for disabled workers made redundant from the factories that are closing.

"This is all geared up for disabled people. I know a lot are going to lose their jobs in Remploy," says Steven Watts.

"This is a not-for-profit. Everything we make goes back into the company to help pay these people's wages."

Four Welsh Remploy factories have closed their doors for the last time today - despite a vociferous campaign against the cuts.

The sites in Abertillery, Aberdare, Merthyr and Wrexham have now closed. Swansea will shut at the end of the month.

Other factories at Neath and Porth will remain open. But doubt still hangs over those at Bridgend and Croespenmaen near Pontypool. Bids have been invited to run them.

Ian Lang reports on the last day at one of the factories, in Wrexham.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has defended the UK Government's decision to close five Remploy factories across Wales, saying: "This is not about cuts - we're reinvesting even more money in trying to get disabled people back to work."

Remploy factories in Abertillery, Aberdare, Merthyr and Wrexham will close for the final time today. The UK Government revealed earlier this year that they would close sites that don't make a profit, with the money spent on other support for disabled workers.

The factory in Swansea will close at the end of the month.