The Welsh Government is profoundly disappointed with the decision by the UK Government to reduce its current subsidy to Remploy, announced the Education and Skills Minister on 7 March 2012. Remploy is a UK government-owned company which provides employment and related services for disabled people. The announcement accepts proposals for the closure of seven Remploy factories Aberdare, Abertillery, Bridgend, Croespenmaen, Merthyr, Swansea and Wrexham, with 272 workers affected. Porth and Neath factories are considered by the UK government as 'potentially viable'. The minister stressed however that the Welsh government is not going to commit to pick up the bill by the UK government's decision and the cost of associated redundancy and transitional support lies with them. Cynon Valley AM Christine Chapman voiced her regret over the announcement stressing that the uncertainly in the run up to the decision had been "very demoralising for Aberdare factory workers" in her constituency. Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black told AMs that he believes "that there is a place for sheltered employment regardless of which party is in power." Peter Black AM and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM also answered questions on behalf of the Assembly Commission.