gsk_boronia_australia

GSK to cut almost 200 jobs at UK site

pharmafile | October 5, 2018 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications GSK, UK, Ulverston, job cuts, pharma 

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that it is to slash half of its workforce at its site in Ulverston, UK, as part of a move to cull cost-ineffective operations.

The company said that 191 of its staff could be faced with redundancy of a total of 347. The first wave of losses will be felt in June 2019, with the rest to follow in 2020.

The cuts hit the sterile injectables part of the business, which will close as it has been deemed as not cost-effective, but the company confirmed its tablet manufacturing department would continue to see investment.

Site Director Phil Wilson remarked on the news: “I want to thank my staff for managing their day-to-day role during this period of uncertainty. I will give all my support to my staff across the site and this is a big blow for the community. It is our 70th year here and we have done fantastic things. We will continue to do great things in the future.

“As part of the change we will look across the whole of GSK to see if there are opportunities for staff who will be made redundant,” he continued. “We are committed that anyone who does leave will have the best opportunities to find employment.”

Local MP and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron also commented, adding: “This is incredibly sad news and a massive blow to the South Cumbrian economy. The tragic irony is that this comes just days after the Northern Powerhouse minister visited Ulverston. This is a moment for the Government to prove that the Powerhouse does mean something to anyone north of Preston and provide an investment package to help those who are set to lose their jobs and create new business opportunities in South Cumbria.”

Matt Fellows

Related Content

CureVac and GSK begin phase 1 trial for mRNA flu vaccine candidates

CureVac and GSK have announced that the first patient in the phase 1 section of …

mufid-majnun-oi20ehignd4-unsplash

Long COVID: 15 studies launched with £19.6 million government funding

The UK government has announced the launch of 15 new extensive studies, backed by £19.6 …

Drugmakers fined a record £260 million after 10,000% drug price increase

The UK’s competition authority has issued its largest ever fine of more than £260 million …

Latest content