Remploy: ‘Currently no proposals to close Heywood factory’

Remploy has today announced that it is proposing to close 36 of its 54 factories – but the firm says there are currently no proposals to close the Heywood factory.

The company’s proposals could lead to compulsory redundancies of more than 1,700 disabled workers nationwide.

A statement about the Heywood Factory said: “The Heywood factory is part of the E-Cycle group and recycles and refurbishes IT equipment. It employs 37 people, of whom 34 are disabled.

“The Board believes that the E-Cycle business potentially could be commercially viable without government subsidy and there are currently no proposals to close the Heywood factory or for redundancies at the Heywood factory as a result of today’s announcement.”

It added: “However, Remploy will now consult with its trade unions and the management forums on the proposed closure in 2012 of 36 of its 54 factories which it believes are not commercially viable, and on the potential compulsory redundancy of 1,752 employees directly or indirectly involved with these businesses. During this consultation Remploy will consider all measures to avoid redundancies.”

Remploy’s factory in Oldham, that manufactures windows and doors and employs 115 people, including 107 disabled employees, is one of those being proposed for closure.