Community General Secretary visits RSBi in Glasgow

Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss visited workers at Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) in Glasgow this month.

RSBi is the supported manufacturing division of City Building; a construction, repairs and maintenance business owned by Glasgow City Council and the Wheatley Group, Glasgow’s largest registered social landlord. RSBi specialises in manufacturing a wide range of products; from office, education and home furniture, to kitchen units, UPVc windows and doors and more.

Over 50% of the 190-strong workforce at RSBi have a disability, including people with sight and hearing loss, wheelchair users, military veterans with PTSD and people with additional learning needs.

During his visit to RSBI, Roy Rickhuss met with Community members in the factory and representatives from the City Buildings Joint Trade Union Committee (JTUC), including Community President Steve McGurk.

During their conversations with Roy, Community members on site discussed the importance of long-term sustainable employment for people with disabilities, as well as the support members have received whilst working for the company. Our members on site also talked about the proud history of the National League for the Blind and Disabled (NLBD) which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

In Roy’s discussion with union reps, there was feedback on the challenges facing supported businesses following the roll-out of the DWP’s new Access to Work model and the potential impact this could have if the model fails to capture the way that support is managed and delivered in supported businesses.

During his visit Roy was given a tour of City Building’s new training college which has been built on the same site as RSBI. This college is where all of the company’s craft apprentices – including joiners, plumbers and electricians – are trained. The college also provides opportunities for young disabled employees from RSBi to pursue an adult apprenticeship, subsequently moving from supported employment to mainstream employment.

Roy Rickhuss CBE said:

“The progressive relationship City Building has forged with trade unions continues to provide real benefits to the workforce. It was good to meet with Community members and reps on site today and hear more about the issues affecting Supported Businesses like RSBi, including potential changes to funding.

“During the visit I was pleased to assure our members that whatever challenges the organisation may face in future, Community will always be in their corner.”

Community President and RSBi union rep Steve McGurk said:

“It was great to have Roy visit RSBi during the NLBD’s 125th anniversary year, and to show him the great work still being done both in RSBi and City Building as a whole.

“As disabled workers, our fight for equality and fairness in the workplace continues. The challenges we face – whether in securing fair funding, breaking down barriers to employment, or ensuring we are valued in society – never end. However, we know with the support of Community and the inspiration from 125 years of proud NLBD history, we will remain strong in our resolve. We know Community will always fight to ensure every disabled worker, regardless of ability, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

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At Community, we’re proud to represent our workers with disabilities (both visible and non-visible) across all industries and sectors. We’re committed to fighting for better disability rights, awareness and support for everyone with a disability.

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