Jim McGovern, MP for Dundee West, has asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to back Remploy and protect the jobs in the Dundee factory.
This question was the first in Wednesday’s questions to the Scotland Office, and was supported by Tom Greatrex MP, the Shadow Scotland Office Minister.
The question comes after Mr McGovern met with Peter Luff MP, Minister for Procurement and Equipment in the Ministry of Defence in June this year, about the future of MOD contracts to Remploy.
At the time the Minister confirmed that there would be some contracts made, but he could not go into details.
Recently the Sayce report has been published, which has made recommendations for future work opportunities for disabled people.
This report recommends ending government involvement with Remploy.
There are fears within the company and those who work for Remploy that this will lead to job losses.
Jim McGovern said;
"Remploy is an important company that provides much needed jobs for disabled and non-disabled people alike in Dundee.
"They produce high quality products for the Ministry of Defence, for good value for money."
"It is clear that the Sayce report could lead to job losses, as government contracts are an important part of Remploy’s work.
"This is particularly so in Dundee.
"Given the economic situation across the country, the government should not be acting in a way that will mean fewer jobs."
"The Minister was correct in saying that the consultation to the Sayce report is on-going, which makes this the best time to make clear the concerns of Remploy and their employees."
Mr McGovern concluded;
"I very much welcome the support of the Labour front bench. It is clear that there is support across the House for Remploy.
"I hope the government listens to that and they opt not to follow the Sayce report, so the future of Remploy and these important jobs are protected."
This question was the first in Wednesday’s questions to the Scotland Office, and was supported by Tom Greatrex MP, the Shadow Scotland Office Minister.
The question comes after Mr McGovern met with Peter Luff MP, Minister for Procurement and Equipment in the Ministry of Defence in June this year, about the future of MOD contracts to Remploy.
At the time the Minister confirmed that there would be some contracts made, but he could not go into details.
Recently the Sayce report has been published, which has made recommendations for future work opportunities for disabled people.
This report recommends ending government involvement with Remploy.
There are fears within the company and those who work for Remploy that this will lead to job losses.
Jim McGovern said;
"Remploy is an important company that provides much needed jobs for disabled and non-disabled people alike in Dundee.
"They produce high quality products for the Ministry of Defence, for good value for money."
"It is clear that the Sayce report could lead to job losses, as government contracts are an important part of Remploy’s work.
"This is particularly so in Dundee.
"Given the economic situation across the country, the government should not be acting in a way that will mean fewer jobs."
"The Minister was correct in saying that the consultation to the Sayce report is on-going, which makes this the best time to make clear the concerns of Remploy and their employees."
Mr McGovern concluded;
"I very much welcome the support of the Labour front bench. It is clear that there is support across the House for Remploy.
"I hope the government listens to that and they opt not to follow the Sayce report, so the future of Remploy and these important jobs are protected."