FEARS are growing that a deal to save the Remploy factory in Glasgow could collapse.

It is understood that Webster Wheelchairs, a firm with links to Remploy, was chosen to take over the factory in Springburn – which employs mainly disabled staff – and a similar factory in Chesterfield, England.

Simon Webster, director for the firm who has set up a company called R Healthcare to take over the factories, was expected to meet staff and union representatives in both factories last week, but the Springburn meeting did not take place.

Now unions, staff and some politicians fear Webster intends to pull out of the deal to take over Springburn, meaning the plant could close, axing its 46 workers.

A total of 25 Remploy factories closed in August under Government plans to switch spending to help individual workers find jobs in mainstream sectors.

Another 18 will close or be sold next year and the remaining nine face an uncertain future.

Union representatives from Springburn met UK Disabilities Minister Esther McVey and asked for the sell-off process to be put on hold and an investigation held into the bidding process.

Phil Brannan, shop steward, said: "Webster wants to make 40 of the 70 staff in Chesterfield redundant and reduce their terms and conditions. We have no reason to think they want anything different for Springburn.

"We are willing to do what is necessary to save the factory, but not to increase Mr Webster's profits at the expense of disabled workers."

Patricia Ferguson, Maryhill and Springburn MSP, and others met Ms McVey in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

About 100 staff from Remploy's Scottish factories protested outside at the time, calling for their future to be made clear and for terms and conditions of employment to be protected.

Ms Ferguson said Ms McVey offered nothing to put the workers' minds at rest.

The MSP said: "The situation has made me angry. I sought answers and reassurances from the minister, but got none. Any questions about the future for the workers at Springburn were met with the same reply – 'It is a matter for the Remploy board'."

It is feared the new owner is looking for redundancies in the Chesterfield operation and for conditions to be reduced and that the prospective new owner may be pulling back from its agreement to take over Springburn.

Ms Ferguson said: "If this is the case then it is even more urgent the Scottish Government steps in and takes over the factory as part of the NHS.

"I will be writing to Fergus Ewing, the minister responsible, to Remploy and to Ms McVey for detailed answers."

Webster Wheelchairs referred inquiries to the Remploy head office. No-one at Remploy was available to comment.

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk