MP David Rutley has invited the Science Minister to Macclesfield after Astra Zeneca’s plan to axe up to 350 local jobs.
The pharmaceuticals giant announced last week it will cut 7,300 jobs globally by the end of 2014. Bosses refused to reveal the sites affected but it is understood 250-350 jobs are at risk at Alderley Park’s Research and Development,believed to be in the cardiovascular department. Some backroom positions, like cleaning posts, could also go.
That’s 10 per cent of the total 3,500-strong workforce. There has been no announcement about Macclesfield, the group’s second largest manufacturing with around 2,600 staff.
Mr Rutley, pictured, said: “I think it’s vitally important to get input from the government so I’ve spoken to David Willetts, science minister and he has promised that he will visit Macclesfield in the near future.
“I want to get his support to look at opportunities for potential spin-off businesses and sub-contracting opportunities in the area.
“Our first thoughts need to be with the families who are affected and I’ve already been talking to AstraZeneca who have assured me there will be proper support available to review career options and relocation opportunities. I’ve also spoken to Cheshire East council and they will be bringing a redundancy task force in to help provide support.”
One Macclesfield emp-loyee whose job is safe said: “We do feel for those who are losing their jobs. There is a very strange climate at AstraZeneca at the moment.”
Alan Black, national officer for the GMB union a 90-day consultation period on local job losses had begun.
He said: “This is hugely disappointing. These R&D jobs are well-paid and essential for a thriving economy. We need to find a viable way to continue to make breakthroughs in bringing to safe use much-needed new medicines.”
