FIFE MPs will today present the UK Government with a rescue plan for local Remploy factories.
Gordon Brown, Thomas Docherty and Lindsay Roy will lead a House of Commons debate challenging privatisation plans that threaten the factories in Leven and Cowdenbeath.
At a press conference in Inverkeithing yesterday, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Mr Brown said the Government would have to more than double the subsidy it is prepared to offer Remploy in Fife.
He said: “If the subsidy support is not good enough then the workforce will lose their jobs.
“Over the next few months and years I believe the support offered at the moment, which is in the order of £6,400 per disabled employee for the next three years, will not be enough to save a factory that has put in huge efforts to cut its losses and become viable.”
The Government is prepared to pay around £150,000 for the next three years to prop up the Fife factories, which produce lifejackets.
But Mr Brown said £400,000 would be required to make the businesses viable.
He and other local politicians believe the factories could turn losses into profits with Government support.
Mr Brown added: “They have a full order book and we could be expanding this order book for a product that has worldwide recognition.
“We have a plan and we think we can establish a viable business over the next period of time but we need more time. We can’t expect a factory to become viable overnight.”
It was revealed at the press conference that confidential discussions are in progress, following interest from potential buyers.
Meanwhile, a cross-party meeting was held in Dundee yesterday to discuss the future of employees at the city’s Remploy textile factory, which has been earmarked for closure.
The action group heard from Remploy finance director Chris Addy.
Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “Unfortunately, I am disappointed by the information we received at the meeting and we have more questions than we did when we started.
“We cannot do a huge amount until we get the answers to these questions later this month.”
Labour politicians who attended the meeting issued a joint statement saying: “We are glad that the meeting has started the process of preparing a business case.
“A lot of the cards land with the Scottish Government and the council. They can make or break the future of the Remploy workers by reviewing how they award council contracts.
“They have the power to put workwear uniform contracts directly to supported workplaces and rescue the Dundee factory.
“The SNP should use their power to make this happen.
“We will give our continuing support to the Lord Provost as he takes this forward.”
It has also been announced that Disability Minister Esther McVey will visit the Dundee Remploy factory on February 25.
arobertson@thecourier.co.uk