A DEAL looks set to be struck which could save thousands of jobs for disabled workers following intense talks between ministers and union leaders.

Peter Hain, the work and pensions secretary, was due to make a major announcement today regarding the 42 Remploy factories threatened with closure, including the one at Poole.

His speech to the Labour conference was expected to include removing the power to close factories from the Remploy management board - and placing it in the hands of ministers.

And union leaders are also hoping he will make a firm commitment to help Remploy secure orders from local and national authorities, including £150m in government contracts for military and NHS uniforms. Remploy staff and members of the GMB spent four weeks on a crusade visiting all the threatened factories where up to 2,500 staff face redundancy, and their strong, vocal presence at the conference has won them widespread support.

The GMB tabled a contemporary motion condemning the government over the issue, but these last minute concessions, hammered out in the early hours of Sunday and again yesterday, will be presented today in a new composite motion.

A spokesman for the GMB said: "What Peter Hain says in his speech will determine how the GMB vote in the debate."

Lorain Sheen, who works at the Remploy factory at Alder Hills, Poole, said she was told by union leaders yesterday of the position.

She said: "It's good news, but we've still got a fight on our hands. It's not as bad as it was but we've still got work to do."