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Remploy in 'gag' row over worker
A TRADE union today accused disabled workers' firm Remploy of trying to "gag" a Sheffield employee attending this week's Labour Party conference.
James Stribley was told he would not be allowed to attend this week's gathering in Brighton unless he took his own holiday - which the GMB union said was a change in policy.
In an email a manager told Mr Stribley: "Remploy has received an instruction from the Cabinet Office that no Remploy Employee, regardless of their role, is to attend any political party conferences, including fringe meetings."
He was told he could attend on his annual leave, but not as a paid employee of Remploy - which is partly funded by the Government.
Mr Stribley received a standing ovation when he addressed the conference to talk about the closure over the past few years of Remploy factories and the loss of over 1,000 jobs.
GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "It is outrageous that Remploy should try to gag one of their workers for attending the conference to talk about the closure programme."
But a Remploy spokesman said: "Remploy's position on staff attending the Labour Party conference is the same as many other companies and is consistent with guidelines issued by the Cabinet Office.
"If staff wish to attend in a personal capacity that is a matter for them but it is inappropriate to pay for staff to attend any party political conference."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 04 February 2012
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