Double jobs blow amid cuts and facility closure

Wicklow suffered a double jobs blow yesterday with confirmation that MSD is to close its plant with the loss of 280 jobs, and news that at least 58 staff are to be made redundant at a disability support service.

MSD, which employs more than 2,000 people in Ireland, is to close its facility in Rathdrum by the end of 2015.

The location supplies active ingredients for respiratory care, infectious disease and cardiovascular medicine.

The closure is part of a review of its global structure.

The products manufactured in Wicklow will now be moved to its sites in Ballydine, Co Tipperary, and in Singapore, as well as some third-party manufacturers.

The one positive note for staff in Rathdrum was that the company did say there would be no job losses there before the end of next year.

Frank Jones, organiser with staff trade union Siptu, said it would seek an agreement with the company to train up staff so they can secure employment elsewhere when they finish at MSD.

Meanwhile St Catherine’s Association, which provides education, training, healthcare and residential/respite care to people with intellectual and other disabilities, has confirmed it is to terminate the employment contracts of all staff who have been there for one year or less.

“The changes are necessary for the organisation to work through the current financial difficulties and they come into effect after the 4 week notice period,” it said.

Impact trade union, which represents 166 staff at the association said 58 people had received their notice. There are fears a number more may be affected by the cutbacks.

Union official Catherine Keogh said: “While we recognise that the association is dealing with a significant deficit, it is vital that we engage with management in order to ensure that the services are protected and that jobs are retained. We have made a request to the Labour Relations in order open discussions as soon as possible.” It is understood the LRC has set March 15 as the date for a hearing.