Bleak Christmas ahead as Mayo and Clonmel hit by 250 job losses

FAMILIES in Clonmel and Mayo face a bleak Christmas after two firms announced job losses.

Baxters Pharmaceutical, which employs 1,000 people in Mayo, is looking for 150 voluntary redundancies and has told 50 temporary contract staff that they will not be replaced.

The plant, which has been in Castlebar since 1972 and also has an operation in Swinford in the county, specialises in the manufacture of sterile solutions and drugs for use in kidney dialysis.

Baxter, which is a subsidiary of Baxter International, blamed the job cuts on the global economic downturn, the subsequent impact of European healthcare cost-savings measures and the ongoing need to improve its cost competitiveness.

“While decisions like this are difficult to take, this is a necessary step to secure the long-term viability of the operation,” it said.

Fine Gael Mayo TD John O’Mahony said the loss of 200 jobs was a shattering blow to Castlebar.

“I believe that 120 full-time, 30 administrative and 50 temporary jobs are to go. Voluntary redundancies will be sought and I would like to see generous terms offered to all outgoing personnel.

“Baxter has been a wonderful employer for 30 years and the loss of these jobs will be keenly felt everywhere in Mayo,” he said.

Meanwhile in Tipperary, Bulmers announced it is to make 50 workers at its plant in Clonmel redundant by Christmas.

The cider manufacturer blamed the fall in sales of cider in pubs and the rise in consumers heading to off-licences on the decision.

Its cost reduction and reorganisation programme, which the company claims will secure 220 remaining jobs, is expected to be complete by December.

Local TD Tom Hayes said the news was a blow for all the people of South Tipperary as Bulmers was a “flagship employer”.

“The numbers of unemployed people in South Tipperary reached 9,270 in September, and this news will add to those numbers, while also pushing young people into emigration,” he said.

“On an individual and a wider level, this is a huge blow to South Tipperary.”