Accusation of betrayal over Remploy site

Published on 20/09/2012 12:00

A CITY MP has accused the UK Government of “betrayal” following its announcement that the Edinburgh’s Remploy factory for disabled people is to close.

Hopes had been raised the South Gyle site could be saved after ministers said there was a potential bidder. But now they say no offer was forthcoming.

Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz said: “The news makes me wonder whether the Government was genuinely seeking to find bids to keep factories open or whether it was simply offering false hope.

“One of the stated aims of its welfare changes is to support disabled people into work wherever possible – it is hard to square that with the way that it has treated Remploy workers.

“I call upon Remploy, the Department of Work and Pensions, Scottish Government and the city council to make a concerted effort to help them find alternative employment.”