asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the final outcome of the changes announced by Remploy, particularly on its workplaces, on its manpower, and on its activities in South Yorkshire. [HL1059]

The Secretary of State announced the Remploy modernisation plan on 29 November. Remploy will continue with 55 factories, 15 more than originally proposed by the company in May 2007. The modernisation plan will see 17 factories close and a further 11 factories merge with other Remploy factories. The company will also quadruple the number of disabled people it supports into mainstream employment, through its Employment Services business. This will be some 20,000 people by 2013.

In South Yorkshire, the Barnsley factory will close and the 38 disabled employees at the factory will be given a range of options, including the opportunity to transfer to Remploy's Sheffield factory, which will continue. The company's Employment Services business will also open a city centre branch in Sheffield, as part of the company's plan to support more disabled people into mainstream work.

The Secretary of State has given a guarantee that no disabled employee will be made compulsorily redundant. They will also be able to remain on their current Remploy salary, including membership of the pension scheme.