DISABLED workers have voted to go on strike in protest at plans to close their factories.

Members of the GMB and Unite unions in 54 factories across the UK backed a campaign of industrial action.

They said they will give Remploy, which provides employment for disabled people, seven days' notice with immediate effect for a programme of strikes and other action.

The unions have warned that the Government's plans will lead to the complete closure of all 54 factories, leading to 2800 disabled workers' jobs being lost. More than 100 jobs in Scotland are expected to go, including at sites in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Motherwell.

Phil Davies, national officer of the GMB, said: "The Government's intention to destroy thousands of disabled workers' jobs in Remploy has given rise to an overwhelming vote for strike action against the proposed closures of their 54 factories.

"To close a factory that employs disabled people in the present economic climate is a sentence to life of unemployment and poverty."

Remploy, which was established in 1945, is a Government-owned company that supplies chemical and biological protection suits to the police and armed forces, furniture to the UK education sector, and manufactures components for motor manufacturers.

Kevin Hepworth of Unite said: "Remploy workers deserve the support of all trade unionists."

The majority for strike action was 79.5% among members of the GMB and 59.7% in Unite.