AN organisation that helps disabled people find work has revealed more than 2,300 have been helped into "job outcomes" despite the controversial closure of its factories.
Remploy was controversially forced to shut 36 of the sites where the disabled worked two years ago after the Coalition Government withdrew its funding. There were trade union protests over the decision. However, the organisation continues to provide support and advice for disabled people.
New figures reveal it secured 2,300 "job outcomes" for disabled and disadvantaged people in Scotland, an increase of 13 per cent over the previous 12 months.
Figures to the end of March reveal strong continued growth in numbers of people supported into work, particularly those with more severe disabilities or health conditions.
In Aberdeen, there was a 35 per cent increase year on year in helping them into work, in Dundee 24 per cent, Glasgow, 30 per cent and Hamilton five per cent.
Overall in the UK, Remploy delivered 18,500 job outcomes in 2013-14, an increase of 4 per cent compared to the previous year. It takes to more than 80,000 the number of people the company has supported into work over the last five years.
Anne Marie Barclay, Remploy's Regional Operations Manager for Scotland, said: "We listen to employers' needs and help them to better understand and enjoy the benefits of employing disabled people, in effect transforming their businesses.
"As a result we achieve the Remploy mission as a social business of helping to transform the lives of tens of thousands of disabled people through sustainable employment."
Beth Carruthers, Remploy's chief executive, said: "This wonderful achievement of supporting 82,500 people in the last five years is a tribute to the extensive relationships we have with employers and recognition that employing disabled people delivers real social and economic value.
"We are going from strength to strength and this year we anticipate passing the fantastic milestone of supporting into work more than 100,000 disabled and disadvantaged people in the last six years," she said.
Disabled people receive personalised training and support to build their confidence, help with CV writing and interview techniques at Remploy's national network of more than 60 specialist recruitment branches and offices.
Mrs Barclay said: "Coupled with the company's strong relationships with employers, this ensures that the right person is found for the right job."
Work trials have proved to be an important element in helping disabled people into employment.
A study of Remploy's work shows 74 per cent of those who did a work trial gained employment.
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