FOLLOWING a visit to Re-Employ, in Crosshill, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Claire Baker, is calling on the Scottish Government to consider extending support for the social enterprise as its current funding arrangements come to an end.

The charity and social enterprise emerged following the closure of the former Remploy plants in Cowdenbeath and Leven and employs a number of staff and volunteers with diverse individual needs, helping them gain skills in the workplace.

Re-Employ makes promotional items for companies and organisations, specialising in creating handmade gifts. For the past two years funding has been provided by the Scottish Government, but this is due to end in March.

Kelty woman Claire Baker said: “Re-Employ has proved valuable employment opportunities for many people affected by closure of Remploy in Fife.

"It provides a much needed supported workplace for people and the funding it has received has been critical to offering employment opportunities".

Ms Baker added: “Over the past two years the team at Re-Employ have worked hard to establish their enterprise and are now on a clear path to making it a success.

"An extension to funding arrangements would allow the time needed to make it financially secure.

“I will be writing to the Scottish Government to ask whether support can be continued for another year, or if alternative bridging support is available, to allow Re-Employ time to build to a sustainable enterprise.”

The social enterprise has built up a solid customer base over the past couple of years as the quality of their promotional products has impressed people.