To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria were used to determine whether a Remploy factory would be eligible for (a) closure and (b) merger. (139196)

In deciding eligibility for potential closure Remploy took into account several factors: the market for the product made at the factory, the likely ability to achieve acceptable losses per disabled employee in the future, the percentage of cost which is covered by income from customers and the local employment market.

For mergers the company not only took into account the above factors, but also considered the proximity to another factory which was not potentially closing.

We will consider the company’s final proposals once they have been submitted later in the year following consultation. No decision by the Secretary of State on the future of the company will take place until then and the Government encourage participation in the consultation process by contacting Bob Warner on tel: 02476 515810 or writing to him at: Remploy, Stonecourt, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what representations were made by (a) management and (b) staff regarding the possible closure of the Remploy factory in Hartlepool; (139197)

In drawing up the closure proposals Remploy took into account the market for the product made at their factories, their likely ability to achieve acceptable losses per disabled employee in the future, the percentage of its cost which is covered by income from its customers and the local employment market. The proximity to another factory which was not closing was considered.

The Remploy Board’s proposals signal the next phase in the development of a five-year modernisation plan—a formal consultation with trade unions and employees and a disability impact assessment as part of Remploy’s Disability Equality Duty obligations.

The Government will consider the company’s final proposals once they have been submitted later in the year following consultation. No decisions by the Secretary of State on the future of the company will take place until then.

No representations have been made to Government on the proposed closure of the Hartlepool factory. If there are strong arguments against the proposed closure of the Hartlepool factory, the Board of Remploy would be happy to fully consider them.

The Government encourage participation in the consultation process by contacting Bob Warner Chief Executive of Remploy on tel: 02476 515810 or in writing at: Remploy, Stonecourt, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ.