Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has expressed her support for Remploy workers and their trades unions following the announcement that the company still intends to close three of its twelve Welsh factories at Treforest, Brynaman and Ystradgynlais.

Although the company has announced reprieves for four factories that had been due to close, the existing plans will still affect around 140 workers.

The Plaid Cymru MEP said:

"Remploy is a major employer of disabled workers in Wales. I welcome the lifeline thrown to a number of factories but three factories are still going to close.

"This will affect a large number of people and cause huge hardship. I fully support the position taken by the trades unions who represent Remploy workers and the fight to save these jobs must continue.

"Peter Hain has said that the four plants saved from closure will remain open if new business can be found for them. That is not enough. We want guarantees that the UK government will find new business to sustain all of the company's factories. I have written to the Minister to demand just that."

"This whole issue has been completely mishandled by the government - in comparison with the Remploy workers who proved their case and have fought successfully to keep many of the jobs. I will support them until the other jobs are secured too.