A GWENT factory has a secure future according the local MP who says he has received government assurances that it is safe.

The Argus reported how workers at Crospenmaen Remploy were worried the company was trying to close the factory by "the back door".

Huge redundancy packages were offered to over 100 workers at Remploy's Crospenmaen and Cwmtillery factories.

The company employs disabled workers and produces packaging at Crospenmaen and wheel chair accessories and other medical equipment at Cwmtillery.

Cwmtillery was earmarked for closure last year along with 43 other factories.

But the 60-strong workforce was granted a reprieve when Remploy back-tracked and saved 15 of the threatened sites following government pressure.

Now workers at both factories with between one and 12 year's service are being offered the chance to walk away with a year's salary plus £5,000 - a total of about £17,000.

Others will receive three weeks pay per year of service plus £5,000.

Workers told the Argus they feared the move would empty the factories.

The offer was made this week and according to workers is being described as a "one-off" by bosses.

Employees have until January 31 to apply.

But MP for Islwyn, Don Touhig, told the Argus he had received assurances from Minister for the Disabled, Anne McGuire, that the orders would continue to flow and the factory had a future.

"These redundancies are partly to allow space for new workers and keep the business viable," he said.

"We have been working hard with management to secure new orders and I can assure workers the factory's future is safe."

Remploy says it is only accepting redundancies from workers who are not key to the business.