Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how the £8 million support package for disabled Remploy factory workers announced in 2012 has been allocated; how many personal budgets were provided to former Remploy employees; how many community support funds were granted; and whether that package has been fully spent.

For all disabled former Remploy workers made redundant as a result of factory closures, the Government put in place the £8 million guaranteed People Help and Support Package (PHSP). The support package provides help to each affected disabled former employee for up to 18 months from the date they left Remploy.

The PHSP includes one-to-one support from a personal case worker to identify suitable help to find work including access to advice and support and access to a personal budget. Personal budget awards can pay for items such as training, tools and equipment. After 18 months is complete, specialist support will continue to be available, usually providing continuation of support from the same specialist employment advisor.

Former employees have also been referred to Community Support Fund projects where, in areas affected by factory closures, local organisations support former Remploy workers to move into employment and take part in social activities. To date 827 former employees have taken part in a range of Community Support Fund activities which have helped support 348 into employment. After 18 months is complete, specialist support will continue to be available, usually providing continuation of support from the same specialist employment advisor.

Up to the end of August 2014, DWP has spent around £5.5m on providing individual support.