What does the Pfizer downsizing means for Kildare jobs?
08/11/2023 Kildare, Ireland. Pharmaceutical company Pfizer is to reduce the number of people it employs at its manufacturing plant in Newbridge, Co Kildare (pictured) by 100. The move is part of a wider restructuring process arising from a significant drop in demand for its Covid-19 vaccines and treatments. However, the company is also expanding its workforce at its production plant in Grangecastle, Co Dublin and Ringaskiddy in Cork, adding a further 230 new roles. It is hoped that some of those who will lose their jobs in Newbridge may be able to take up some of the new positions in Grangecastle. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie
A major Irish employer, Pfizer is due to cut more than 200 jobs, it has been reported.
With locations across Cork, Dublin and Kildare, the pharmaceutical company's plans are expected to affect staff in the Newbridge plant in Kildare.
In November 2024, the Newbridge site suffered a huge loss of 100 jobs from its workforce. Reports in the decline of Covid medications were cited as a reason into the downsizing.
These changes are due to occur in a phased approach across 2024 and 2025, a representative said.
The layoffs are understood to be both voluntary partings and targeted redundancies.
In an address to the press, a spokesperson for the company said;
"Reducing jobs is always the very last resort and we have been doing all we can to reduce costs elsewhere and minimize the impact on our people. We are actively engaging with colleagues and their representatives, and all job-related decisions will be made with transparency, respect, and in compliance with all applicable laws."
Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South Patricia Ryan called on the government to support the affected workers once the redundancies are made official.
