16 January 2009
Pfizer Global Research Workforce Cut
Pfizer, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, announced yesterday that it plans to cut its global research workforce between 5-8% over the next several months. Pfizer employs a total of 10,000 researchers globally of whom approximately 3000 are located in the UK. Its European R&D Headquarters in Sandwich, Kent is unable to confirm the exact number of jobs that are proposed to be lost (despite predictions released in the media yesterday) as staff are currently in a 90 day consultation period with the management.
SEEDA can confirm however that these proposed job losses are not because of the current economic downturn. Dr Mark Edwards, Director of R&D Public Affairs explained that "The invention of medicines has always been a risky and complex business, but the challenge of productivity currently facing the whole industry is greater than ever before. Along with other pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer is evolving its research approach. As part of that process, we critically evaluated each one of our existing research programmes and determined our strongest programmes and areas of opportunity from commercial, scientific, and unmet medical need standpoints. To capitalise on these areas of opportunity, we have shifted our resources to areas with the greatest growth potential for Pfizer and away from areas with limited potential. We have removed several layers of management within the research organisation and are now operating in smaller, more nimble and efficient units. With these changes, we have to realign our staffing needs to reflect these research priorities.
"Pfizer does not make these decisions lightly as we are acutely aware of the impact this decision will have on affected colleagues, their families, and the community. We are therefore committed to supporting these colleagues with utmost respect through this difficult period and via the offering of appropriate financial, professional and personal support.
It's important to reiterate that this is an ongoing evolution of Pfizer Global R&D and indeed Pfizer as a whole. We will continually look for ways to operate our business more effectively and efficiently to create value for all of our customers".
SEEDA will work closely with Pfizer during this difficult period and offer a range of workforce support services to the employees who are made redundant. This will include specific assistance to find redundant employees new jobs in the pharmaceutical and science research industries within the region.
In line with Pfizer's refocused strategy the company has started to work with SEEDA to explore opportunities for the creation of a Science Park on the Sandwich campus. Both Pfizer and SEEDA will actively work together to attract science rich companies to the area in order to build upon the region's worldwide pharmaceutical and scientific expertise. Jim Brathwaite Chairman of SEEDA said , "this is a clear and positive message from Pfizer that they are committed to the Sandwich region for the foreseeable future. We will continue to support Pfizer and build a world class science base of companies at the new Pfizer Science Park in Sandwich."
Companies interested in locating to the new Science Park should contact Ed Metcalfe at SEEDA on 01483 484200 for more information.
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