REMPLOY, which has a factory in Bolton and a distribution centre in Radcliffe, has offered to reduce the working week of its disabled employees by one hour - without loss of pay.

The offer comes as part of a substantial package aimed at improving the pay and conditions of the company's 6,000 employees across the country.

Ray Fletcher, Remploy's personnel director, said: "We are pleased to present a substantial package of benefit improvements for our disabled employees. We see all these changes as part of the continuing modernisation of Remploy."

Under these proposals Remploy's factory- based employees, like those in Manchester Road, Bolton will only be required to work 36 hours, opening up the opportunity to work a four day week.

The package includes increases in hourly rates of pay of more than 6pc, improved holidays, proposals for employee involvement and a proposal for partnership with Remploy trades unions.

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