Merck future plans still unclear

It is still unclear how Merck Laboratories decision to cut 4,400 jobs worldwide will impact on its Irish operation.

Merck Laboratories has announced plans to cut 4,400 jobs worldwide.

So far, Merck has refused to comment on where the jobs cull would impact most, after it failed to realise third-quarter earning estimates.

The company also said that earnings would come in below Q4 estimates, blaming a drop in sales of its arthritic drug Vioxx and a lack of new drugs on the market.