Remploy factory workers start 5-day strike

Remploy workers in Chesterfield have begun a five-day-strike as they are worried that they are about to lose their jobs.

The factory is being sold, but workers do not know who is bidding for it or whether their jobs will be guaranteed.

It follows the closure last month of the Remploy factory in Pontefract.

The Department for Work and Pensions argues that while there are 54 disabled people employed at the factory, Remploy Employment Services helped more than 300 people in to work in the same area last year - proof it says, that its money can be better spent.

Brian Davies worked for Remploy for 33 years and is a former Paralympian who won four gold medals.

Remploy says:

Words that will be of little comfort to those who are desperate simply to carry on working.