IT is no real surprise that Remploy is to drastically reduce the number of its British factories. The signs that a major reorganisation was on the way have been clear for some time.
Nevertheless, the stark reality that 32 of its 83 factories are to close - including five in the North-East - has caused a great deal of understandable uncertainty and concern. For many disabled people, Remploy has been the only route to employment and self-esteem. It is no exaggeration to say that it has been a lifeline and the impact of yesterday's announcement cannot be underestimated.
We agree with the basic principle behind the justification given for the closures - that resources from loss-making factories are better spent on supporting more disabled people in mainstream employment.
It is surely better for disabled people to work alongside able-bodied colleagues in environments where they are accepted, along with the rest of the workforce, for the skills and qualities they bring.
But, sadly, life isn't that simple and key questions remain unanswered: Is it a realistic aspiration for mainstream companies to suddenly fill the void and provide the jobs for disabled people? And can Remploy's pledge to avoid compulsory redundancies be fulfilled when travelling to alternative factories will have clear difficulties?
We hope that the answer to both questions proves to be "yes" and that this is a reorganisation which is not just about cost-cutting but helps more disabled people find satisfying ways to make a living.
But we can fully understand why yesterday's announcement has caused so much anxiety.
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