Fears for hundreds of pharma jobs

Glaxosmithkline (GSK), which employs 1,400 people in Cork, Waterford and Dublin, is undertaking a “business review” of its operations in Ireland.

A company spokeswoman confirmed the review is expected to be completed by the autumn and at that time proposals will be brought forward “for consultation with employees”.

Sources said there could be significant job cuts as a result of the review.

It is understood that staff employed in research and development are not involved in the review.

GSK, which is the world’s second-biggest drug-maker, has four sites in Ireland.

Manufacturing and R&D facilities are based in Currabinny, Cork, and Dungarvan while commercial offices are based in Dublin.

GSK began a restructuring programme in 2008. It announced in February of that year that it was cutting 100 jobs at its plant in Currabinny due to falling volumes for the products manufactured at the site. A year later, it announced it was slashing costs and jobs worldwide in a new round of restructuring.

Analysts at the time said the company would cut thousands of positions from its global workforce of about 100,000.

This news comes following the announcement by Pfizer last month that it was cutting almost 800 jobs in Ireland.

Labour TD Ciarán Lynch called on the Government to enter into negotiations with senior management at GSK to discuss the future of its operations in Ireland.

“Any job losses would be devastating news for these employees and their families. The Government needs to have a clear mandate on job creation and job retention,” he said.

Mr Lynch said through negotiation with governments, Pfizer decided to minimise the number of job losses at its plants in France and Italy.

“The Government needs to act now to off-set any job losses that might occur as a result of this review,” he said. Fears for hundreds of pharma jobs

By Niamh Hennessy

THERE are fears for hundreds of jobs as another pharmaceutical giant finalises a restructuring of its Irish operations.

Glaxosmithkline (GSK), which employs 1,400 people in Cork, Waterford and Dublin, is undertaking a “business review” of its operations in Ireland.

A company spokeswoman confirmed the review is expected to be completed by the autumn and at that time proposals will be brought forward “for consultation with employees”.

Sources said there could be significant job cuts as a result of the review.

It is understood that staff employed in research and development are not involved in the review.

GSK, which is the world’s second-biggest drug-maker, has four sites in Ireland.

Manufacturing and R&D facilities are based in Currabinny, Cork, and Dungarvan while commercial offices are based in Dublin.

GSK began a restructuring programme in 2008. It announced in February of that year that it was cutting 100 jobs at its plant in Currabinny due to falling volumes for the products manufactured at the site. A year later, it announced it was slashing costs and jobs worldwide in a new round of restructuring.

Analysts at the time said the company would cut thousands of positions from its global workforce of about 100,000.

This news comes following the announcement by Pfizer last month that it was cutting almost 800 jobs in Ireland.

Labour TD Ciarán Lynch called on the Government to enter into negotiations with senior management at GSK to discuss the future of its operations in Ireland.

“Any job losses would be devastating news for these employees and their families. The Government needs to have a clear mandate on job creation and job retention,” he said.

Mr Lynch said through negotiation with governments, Pfizer decided to minimise the number of job losses at its plants in France and Italy.

“The Government needs to act now to off-set any job losses that might occur as a result of this review,” he said.