Disabled jobs threat
DISABLED Wigan workers are fighting a threat to their funding.
Metrolite Industries of Ince has more than 60 staff making environmentally-friendly gates, benches and golf club furniture.
Cash-strapped Wigan Council, which puts £200,000 each year into supporting employment at the centre, has confirmed is future is under review.
Director of children and adult services Bernard Walker said that consultation was underway with staff but no decision had been taken.
Metrolite was set up to enable people with disabilities to participate fully in employment, rather than as a training scheme.
But the council, which is facing £55m budget cuts which could mean up to 800 redundancies, say it is having to review all spending.
Social services chief Mr Walker said today: “The council makes a contribution to Metrolite of £200,000 per annum which was agreed several years ago when they were previously operating at a loss.
“We have shared this information with the workforce with a specific suggestion that they explore whether there is any possibility of Metrolite becoming a social enterprise, with the support of colleagues in regeneration.
“No decision has been made at this point about the future of Metrolite, rather the meeting with staff has been one aspect of the work underway to investigate the options available to the council.”
In an open letter to the council which has also been sent to the Observer. Metrolite staff urge them to keep up their support.
It says: “Metrolite employs vulnerable adults with varying degrees of disabilities, including visual and hearing impaired, learning difficulties, paralysis and epilepsy.
“It provides a safe, stable atmosphere in which these people can learn, thrive and help to contribute to the economy, the borough and society in general. If they were to lose their jobs they would never find gainful employment.
“We are aware that cuts have to be made due to the state of the public finances and we accept that, but Metrolite can have a valuable role to play within the borough and local society with the proper support, backing and reasonable funding.”
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Friday 10 February 2012
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