Remploy boss claims union unrest over disabled workers is all in the past

Departing Remploy chief executive Bob Warner has insisted the disability employer has moved on from its bitter dispute with trade unions over factory closures.

The GMB union called for changes to Remploy's management team after it confirmed late last year that it would be closing 28 of its 83 factories.

But Warner, who recently announced his intention to stand down when his five-year contract expires this November, insisted the dispute was in the organisation's past.

He told Personnel Today: "We are getting over it. We had a good meeting with senior union officials recently.

"We have been through a difficult time, but I hope we have a fresh start now, that is what we all need."

Warner also declared his backing for the government's welfare reforms, refuting suggestions that they would harm disabled people's job chances.

"The welfare reforms offer a big opportunity for disabled people as long as the contracts give the incentive to help harder-to-help people," he said. "And I am confident they will."