News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Clueless Tory Iain Duncan Smith made a campaign visit to a business yesterday – apparently not realising it is set to make scores of workers jobless.

The Work and Pensions Secretary visited a social enterprise which helps thousands of people with disabilities find jobs.

But two of its factories face the axe – partly thanks to Conservative cuts.

Labour’s Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said: “What an insult for Iain Duncan Smith to visit without speaking to staff and ignorant of the fact they’re losing their jobs. Some have worked there since the 1970s and will find it impossible to find other jobs.”

The ex-Tory leader visited the Pluss HQ in Exeter, Devon, which is facing closure along with a site in Bridgwater, Somerset. Back office staff could also go, leading to 75 job losses.

Its plant in the city makes cushions for wheelchairs and car upholstery.

But it faces closure, along with another in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Back office staff could also be made redundant, leading to a total of 75 job losses.

Many of the factory workers have disabilities or learning difficulties. Bosses fear they would struggle to find employment elsewhere.

(Image: Getty)

Mr Gallin, of the Community Union, said: “Workers are devastated they face losing their jobs.

“It will be incredibly difficult for them to find another job, if not impossible.

“These are very vulnerable people who come here not only to work, but to meet people.”

Mr Gallin, who has worked for Pluss for 28 years, added: “If Iain Duncan Smith had come here and seen for himself how this factory runs, maybe it would have helped.”

Pluss, which is owned by four councils in the south west - Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay - said in a statement: “We are a ‘social firm’ and as such over 50% of our staff have a disability.

“Due to accumulation of a range of changes in commercial contracts and funding from local authorities, the company has commenced consultations on a range of proposals that deal with the challenges these pose.

“These include the potential closure of our manufacturing operations in Marsh Barton, Exeter and Huntworth Gate in Bridgwater, and rationalisation of corporate services.

“These proposals could result in up to 75 redundancies. The company will be looking to achieve these reductions through voluntary means wherever possible.

“These changes are aimed at increasing the number of people we support each year through more effective use of resources.

“As with all changes, Pluss recognises this will be bad news for those staff affected and we intend to put in place a range of mechanisms to support staff through this difficult period.”

Mr Duncan Smith’s spokeswoman said: “Iain and Dom met with disabled people who have been supported into work by Pluss - an organisation doing fantastic work in the local area.”