Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, joined the workforce at Remploy Electronics in Barking last week to mark a significant milestone. He helped raise a specially commissioned flag to signal the 12-month celebration of the Remploy's Diamond Jubilee.
Remploy Barking was established as part of a network of factories throughout the country to employ ex-service men and women injured in the Second World War. Today, Remploy's brief is far wider; nationally, it provides jobs and training in all parts of the economy as well as in its own factories. Last year, the organisation helped into work more than 12,000 people with a range of physical, sensory and mental disabilities.
Secretary of State Alan Johnson, said: "I am delighted to be here to mark the 60th anniversary of Remploy and to acknowledge the valuable work they do in providing employment opportunities for disabled people. Some employers still need to be convinced that there are real business benefits to employing disabled people and Remploy is testimony to the fact that no company can afford to ignore the skills, energy and creativity of disabled people."
Remploy's Chief Executive Bob Warner said: "Remploy is a unique company - not only because of the diverse range of successful businesses we run and services we offer, but also because of the people we employ. They are skilled and motivated and share our aspiration to continually improve the company - and they happen to be disabled. In 60 years we have come a long way, and I congratulate each of my colleagues for part they have played. Here's to the next 60 years!"
