§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the industrial dispute concerning the £16 and £17 average wage of Remploy workers in South Wales.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithRemploy wages are negotiated nationally. The earnings of the severely disabled adult men employed average currently about £18.50 a week. Negotiations for an increase are in progress and industrial action in relation to these negotiations is being taken by some employees in South Wales and in a few other areas. But this action is unofficial and is not supported by the unions concerned.
§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the wages paid to Remploy workers, and indicate what relationship they bear to those of employees of local authorities in blind workshops.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIn the provinces the present basic rate for the severely disabled adult men employed by Remploy is £14.52 a week. Average earnings are about £18.50 in relation to a forty hour week.
The corresponding basic rate in the workshops for the blind is £19.40 a week but details of average earnings are not readily available.