Who we are

Remploy was established in April 1945 under the 1944 Disabled Persons (Employment) Act introduced by Ernest Bevin, the Minister for Labour. The first factory opened in 1946 at Bridgend in South Wales making furniture and violins. Many of the workers were disabled ex-miners but as the factory network grew, employment was provided for disabled people returning from the Second World War.

Originally named the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation, Remploy adopted its current name in 1946. The name was derived from the term're-employ'.

Remploy's factory network manufactures products in a range of business sectors including school furniture, motor components and chemical, biological and nuclear protection suits for police and military. And latterly, as the UK manufacturing environment has changed, expansion into the service sector led to the creation of such businesses as front/back office outsourcing and electrical appliance re-cycling. Today, we remain one of the UK's largest employers of disabled people.

In 1988, Remploy recognised that it could broaden its support in meeting the employment needs of disabled people and those with health conditions. It expanded into helping individuals find work with companies outside its factory network.

Remploy is now one of the UK's leading providers of specialist employment services for disabled people and those experiencing complex barriers to work. Tailored services include development, training, learning and rehabilitation to help individuals prepare for, gain and remain in sustainable work.

We build long term strategic partnerships with leading employers and work closely with them to fully understand their needs so that we can provide them with the skilled staff they need to realise commercial benefits.

Remploy partners with a wide range of local and national organisations across the public, private and third sectors to successfully deliver an integrated range of employment services. Such organisations include: disability organisations, specialist service providers, government agencies and departments, employers and local authorities.

Remploy also provides a significant voice in the Welfare to Work arena and with a passion and commitment to make a difference to individuals and communities. The continued provision of the highest quality employment support will continue to inspire and drive Remploy forwards.