ANOTHER 6,000 jobs are being axed worldwide at drugs giant AstraZeneca, the group has confirmed.

The additional cuts add to an existing programme to reduce its workforce, which will now see 15,000 job losses across AstraZeneca's global operations.

It is unclear what impact this will have on the Macclesfeild and Alderley Park sites, which employ 7,500 people.

MP Sir Nicholas Winterton said that site closure in Alderley or Macclesfield would be like a 'tsunami' for the local economy.

He added: "I am extremely disappointed that AstraZeneca did not inform me of this. I have tried, and failed, for two years to secure a meeting with the

chief executive. I would like some answers from them soon."
The jobs will go by 2013, following the loss of around 8,000 posts since 2007, according to the group.

Bombshell

AstraZeneca's bombshell means the pharmaceuticals giant will have shed a total of 23,000 jobs over seven years as part of a major restructuring programme.

The latest 1,800 job losses will save the company £1.1bn a year.

It was unable to confirm where the axe will fall, but said it was considering closing some research sites in an effort to cut 1,800 positions.

Research is a primary function at both Cheshire locations.

The company said: "The changes will be made across global functions and will include

AstraZeneca, which employs around 7,500 people across sites in Macclesfield and nearby Alderley Park, Cheshire, said a further 8,000 posts would be axed globally by 2014 in addition to cuts announced previously.

The company said: "The changes will be made across global functions and will include roles in sales and marketing, business infrastructure, R&D (research and development) and supply chain. This may include the closure of some R&D sites or facilities."AstraZeneca plans to reduce its own drug development programmes, instead buying new drugs from third parties and concentrating on manufacturing.

Chief executive David Brennan said: "I believe successful execution of this strategy will benefit patients and generate the cashflow necessary to provide for the investment needs of the business and shareholder returns."

The gloomy employment news came as AstraZeneca reported pre-tax profits of £6.7bn for 2009, up from £5.4bn, on revenues of £20.3bn, up from £19.6bn. Its shares lost 4.6 per cent of their value yesterday as the company forecast lower earnings for 2010, with patents on two of its most profitable drugs due to expire.