Disabled protest against closures

Disabled workers from across the south west have been demonstrating in Plymouth against the possible closure of the factories which employ them.

The government is assessing whether the company Remploy, the region's biggest employer of disabled people, is providing good value for money.

The government-funded company has 64 factories nationwide, including ones at Redruth, Penzance and Plymouth.

More than 150 local workers would face unemployment if the factories closed.

Unions have said they will ballot members for industrial action if an announcement is made to close any factory.

Steve Sergent from GMB Plymouth, said: "Remploy employees make goods and products that we all use.

"They are part of what little remains of Britain's manufacturing base and we must keep it intact."