Pfizer to cut 100 jobs in Newbridge plant but announces new roles in Cork and Dublin

However, the company has also announced it is expanding its workforce in Grangecastle in Dublin and Ringaskiddy in Cork by 230 people

Despite the job cuts in Kildare, the company has also announced it is expanding its workforce in Grangecastle in Dublin and Ringaskiddy in Cork  by 230 people. Pictured is the Pfizer plant in Ringaskiddy.

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has confirmed it is cutting 100 jobs at its Newbridge plant in Kildare.

The job cuts are part of a global response to the collapse in sales of the company's covid antiviral treatment.

Around 1,200 people are currently employed at the Kildare plant, with the facility heavily involved in the production of Paxlovid.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Pfizer said: "We can confirm planned changes at the Newbridge site which will impact approximately 100 colleagues who work on the manufacture of Pfizer’s covid antiviral treatment. 

"Onsite operations were expanded in 2021 to meet pandemic needs but, considering the lower-than-expected utilization for our covid-19 products, production is now scaling down in line with customer demand.

"We will be engaging with our colleagues and their representatives as applicable in relation to the planned changes.

"We will do our utmost to support impacted colleagues - this will include utilising open roles and moving talent to other opportunities, to help minimize the impact to colleagues."

However, despite the job cuts in Kildare, the company has also announced it is expanding its workforce in Grangecastle in Dublin and Ringaskiddy in Cork by 230 people.

"As communicated in October, Pfizer has launched an enterprise-wide cost realignment programme to operate more efficiently and effectively. 

"We expect to see overall growth in our manufacturing operations through 2024, including an additional 230 roles at our Grange Castle and Ringaskiddy sites," the statement said.

Trade Union Siptu has called on Pfizer management to meet with the union over the company's plans to roll out voluntary redundancies in Newbridge.

Siptu, which represents almost 700 members at the Co Kildare site, says the news will be "of huge concern" to the workers, their families and the wider community.

Siptu also said the proposed redundancies formed part of a "worrying trend" of job losses across the Irish economy.

Siptu Divisional Organiser Greg Ennis said: "This announcement comes on the back of the recent announcement of the proposed closure of Wyeth Nutritionals in Askeaton, Co Limerick, and the actual closure of Cartamundi in Waterford on August 31.

This worrying trend in closures with job losses in the hundreds, in what had been considered very secure and indeed good employment, is something that the Government must focus on immediately with a view to arresting such decline.

"The loss of these jobs in Newbridge will have a significant economic effect to the detriment of the wider Kildare area and will be of huge concern to our 700 members and their families at the Newbridge facility."

Siptu Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: "Siptu and its local representatives will be seeking an early meeting with Pfizer management with a view to reducing and, if possible, scrapping the proposed redundancies at the Pfizer facility."

Senator Mark Wall, Labour’s representative in Kildare South, has also expressed concern following Pfizer’s announcement today of proposed voluntary redundancies at its Newbridge facility.

He said: “The announcement from Pfizer today is deeply concerning. This will be a devastating blow for the workers and their families. Pfizer must now engage with union officials in a meaningful way."

The loss of these jobs in Newbridge will have a significant impact on Newbridge and the wider Kildare area."

Last month, Pfizer's sales missed expectations for the quarter as its covid shot and pill continued to create instability for the drugmaker’s efforts to transition out of the pandemic.