Macmillan Cancer Support welcomes the government’s announcement that it will implement plans to improve co-ordination between health and social care (Plans unveiled for ‘joined-up’ health and social care, 14 May). People with cancer and their carers are often being let down by the current system, particularly at the end of life. Although the vast majority of people with cancer want to die at home surrounded by their loved ones, most will die in hospital simply because joined-up care services are not available in their local communities. (more…)
Remploy factory closures: Thousands face life without work
The factories were established 67 years ago as part of the creation of the welfare stateThousands of disabled people could face permanent joblessness as the final “sheltered” employment factories close.
“I just want to work. I’d do anything, I’d sweep the floors, I’d wash toilets out. I would do any job just to do my bit for the community.”
Simon Huntington worked for 17 years at the Remploy factory in Spennymoor near Darlington. Since the packaging and assembly plant shut in August last year, Simon has found it impossible to secure a new job.
“I’m scared I won’t get another job. I’ve applied for loads of jobs. Interviews come, interviews go and I never get anywhere further. It doesn’t matter what I do, no-one wants to employ me as they can see Remploy on my CV,” he says. (more…)
