Combined global workforce to be reduced by 15%

PFIZER said it was too early to say what impact its merger with Wyeth would have in Ireland or if there would be any job cuts here.

Between them, Pfizer — the world’s largest pharmaceutical company — and Wyeth employ more than 5,000 people in Ireland. Pfizer announced yesterday it was cutting 15% of its combined global workforce.

A spokeswoman for Pfizer said: “At this point, the company is still working through the implementation plans, so it would be premature to comment specific-ally on where the reductions will take place.

“A key enabler of the savings is in the reduction of our real estate square footage by approximately 15% overall. That said, we have not fully determined the real estate rationalisation plan.”

The company also acknowledged both Pfizer and Wyeth were big employers in Ireland, contributing to Ireland’s reputation as an international hub for pharmaceutical investment.

The spokeswoman said: “Given that the merger agreement has just been declared, it is premature to speculate on either the impact or opportunities that this might present in Ireland in the longer term. The combined company will create one of the most diversified companies in the global healthcare industry, allowing it to respond to the unmet needs of patients, doctors and customers in Ireland and around the world.”

Pfizer has been in Ireland since 1969 and employs more than 2,000 people at six pharmaceutical plants and three financial services and support centres.

It is best known for its plant at Ringaskiddy in Co Cork, which makes the ingredient for erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.

It has other plants in Loughbeg and Little Island in Cork and Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Wyeth has a base in Newbridge, Co Kildare, where it manufactures hormone products, and a base in Clondalkin where it manufactures vaccine products.

It has been in Ireland since 1974 and employs more than 3,000 people at five sites.