FAMILIES of people with intellectual disabilities are concerned that an upcoming report on employment structures could lead to their loved ones losing jobs.

Sheltered workshops have been criticised in the past for engaging participants in poorly paid, menial work such as packing boxes.

However, families of those who attend them said they provide an invaluable support structure and social outlet.

There are now growing fears these facilities may be shut down following a HSE review last year which will shortly publish its findings.

The HSE said: "No decision will be taken regarding the status of existing sheltered workshops until the consultation phase [with service users] is complete."

However, one family told the Sunday Tribune they have already been told the impending fate of one particular facility. And they are concerned about what programmes might take their place.

"They have been trying for years to place people in supermarkets but that is no substitute for what they have been doing in these workshops," said one family member.

"The workshops give them a sense of belonging and a sense of community and a sense that they are contributing to society."

There are currently about 4,000 people with varying disabilities employed in such schemes around the country.

Despite the concerns of some families, those working in the sector believe that a change is not only timely but necessary.

Paul Ledwidge of St Michael's House care home in Ballymun, said: "The HSE said that sheltered work is not the most appropriate for 90% of these people and I agree. I don't think packaging things is the best thing they can be doing with their lives.

"We would like to see service users getting more opportunities in terms of being able to develop their lives rather than being engaged in what is very mundane work."