Community Union is disappointed by the lack of action from First Minister Alex Salmond during a visit to the Aberdeen based supported employment factory. The failure to offer real solutions will condemn workers at Glencraft to an uncertain future. The visit by Alex Salmond, the first since the initial invitation to take positive steps to address the situation in April has failed to secure the future of this valuable supported employment.
Community Union has repeated its call for the First Minister to leave no stone unturned to find a real solution that will keep the Glencraft factory operating.
Community Union Regional Director Heather Meldrum said:
‘Community Union is shocked by the lack of urgency shown by the First Minister on this issue. 7 months after Glencraft asked for support, the First Minister shakes a few hands, offers a number of empty promises and returns to Holyrood. The First Minister seems to think that he has no responsibility to the workers and no responsibility to honour the SNP/ Lib Dem council’s agreement to safeguard the position of the factory prior to their pulling the plug.
The First Minister needs to show real leadership and put forward a practical solution that will keep Glencraft – the only UK based manufacturer of spring loaded beds - operating. Disabled workers forced into unemployment face a greater number of barriers when returning to work, any solution that dramatically cuts the number of jobs at Glencraft, will condemn disabled workers to a cycle of unemployment and poverty.
Glencraft is a valuable supported employment community, not just offering disabled workers employment and a social network, but also making a contribution to the local and national economy.