Kildare Senator: Other companies may be able to take on staff from Pfizer's Newbridge branch

A Senator based in Kildare has suggested that other companies may be able to take on staff from Pfizer's Newbridge branch.

On Tuesday last (November 7), pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced that 100 jobs would be cut at its facility located in Newbridge.

The move is part of a wider global restructuring process arising from a significant drop in demand for its Covid-19 vaccines and treatments. 

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin is the latest public representative to show support for Pfizer's employees at its Newbridge plant.

Commenting on the matter, she said: "I have written to the Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney calling on him to support local Newbridge Pfizer workers in the wake of their job cut announcement.

"I have been contacted by business representatives in Kildare who informed me that 100 jobs are to be lost at the Newbridge site, with a voluntary redundancy package to be rolled out across 2024, as I understand it."

She continued: "We absolutely need to see engagement by the Department to protect staff. I would call for Minister Coveney to engage the relevant personnel within his Department to support these staff members and engage with Pfizer to ensure all staff are treated appropriately in this process.

"I have written to Minister Coveney on the issue."

Senator O'Loughlin concluded: "I have spoken to County Kildare Chamber, which is talking to other companies that may be able to take on the staff, but we need to approach this in a compassionate way and to ensure that the Minister is on top of it to make sure we do not have further job losses."