Workers with disabilities and other challenges face redundancy from a leading Swindon supported employer.
The organisation teaches its workers workplace environment skills and confidence
The borough council-backed Enterprise Works in Gypsy Lane helps people, many of whom have learning or other disabilities, to acquire workplace skills.
The organisation is best known for making and selling fences, gates and other wooden items.
However, it was confirmed earlier this afternoon - 23 July - that as many as 10 or a dozen staff face redundancy.
A parent of one of those affected contacted Swindon Link, saying: "...Enterprise Works in Gypsy Lane, who employ disabled people, sent out letters to twelve employees who are the staffing of two departments that have been on furlough throughout the pandemic, which asked them to attend a meeting with views to restructure the way they work.
"The employees, who have various disabilities, went into their meeting thinking it was based on a safe way to get them back into their work place, which in several cases is also the main part of their social life."
The parent added that the meeting was in fact to inform those affected that they faced redundancy.
Enterprise Works referred press inquiries to Swindon Borough Council.
Cllr Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, confirmed that between 10 and a dozen people were involved.
He added that consultations were ongoing and that a specialist organisation, Phoenix, had been brought in to assist those affected.
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, a long-term supporter of the organisation and its work, said he had asked Cllr Ford for an update and wanted to know what provisions were being put in place for those who faced losing their jobs.
The organisation is best known for making and selling fences, gates and other wooden items.
However, it was confirmed earlier this afternoon - 23 July - that as many as 10 or a dozen staff face redundancy.
A parent of one of those affected contacted Swindon Link, saying: "...Enterprise Works in Gypsy Lane, who employ disabled people, sent out letters to twelve employees who are the staffing of two departments that have been on furlough throughout the pandemic, which asked them to attend a meeting with views to restructure the way they work.
"The employees, who have various disabilities, went into their meeting thinking it was based on a safe way to get them back into their work place, which in several cases is also the main part of their social life."
The parent added that the meeting was in fact to inform those affected that they faced redundancy.
Enterprise Works referred press inquiries to Swindon Borough Council.
Cllr Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, confirmed that between 10 and a dozen people were involved.
He added that consultations were ongoing and that a specialist organisation, Phoenix, had been brought in to assist those affected.
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, a long-term supporter of the organisation and its work, said he had asked Cllr Ford for an update and wanted to know what provisions were being put in place for those who faced losing their jobs.
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