900 staff under threat in black day for jobs

Global pharmaceutical firm MSD’s announcement that it is to close its Swords plant with the potential loss of 570 jobs comes less than nine months after it confirmed 280 people were to be let go with the closure of its Wicklow facility.

MSD yesterday told workers in Swords that it plans to cease operations by the end of 2017. Of the 570 people losing their jobs, 130 will be let go in the second half of next year. The rest of the posts will be phased out over the following three years.

Scene outside MSD in Swords earlier where staff were told the plant is closing in 2017. 570 jobs on the line. pic.twitter.com/xLulvtTOYx

— Maria S (@Maria_Shannon) November 28, 2013