Novartis Job Losses Huge Shock for Cork Pharma Sector
Cork T.D. Seán Sherlock said the decision by Novartis to half the number of jobs at their Ringaskiddy Plant is a ‘hammer blow’ for the Cork region and following the Movil announcement in Shannon is a deeply worrying trend that needs a strong Government response.
Deputy Sherlock said:
“The loss of over 320 jobs at the plant is devastating. That this would come just a few weeks before Christmas will be a hard blow for many families. That is before taking into account the large number of ancillary jobs that are supported by Novartis, through sub contracts for services so the figure could be a lot higher.
“That these pharma job losses in Cork follow a further 500 announced yesterday is deeply worrying and the Government must respond to the merging trend and ensure any further losses are mitigated.
“The Foreign Direct Investment sector in the South and Mid West region appears more vulnerable today than it did yesterday.
“There are over 320 families facing into an uncertain future and whether they will be able to find jobs in the Cork region to match their skills.
“Just as the Minister has visited Shannon, she should visit Cork to outline if these jobs can be saved and to outline what measures will be put in place to protect the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sector in the region.”