Pfizer: Hundreds of jobs at Sandwich Discovery Park site at risk

Hundreds of Kent pharmaceutical workers have been told their jobs are at risk.

Pfizer said it plans to cut 500 of the 940 staff it employs at Discovery Park in Sandwich, after the company announced proposals to consolidate some parts of the business.

It said it was committed to keeping a "scientific presence" at the site.

A company spokesman said: "Various areas of Pfizer's global enterprise are making changes to operate more efficiently and effectively."

He added: "We are proud of our heritage of breakthrough science in the UK and we will retain a scientific presence in the UK including at our Discovery Park location in Sandwich."

He said the company was consulting with those staff affected.

Kevin Mills, Labour leader of Dover District Council, told BBC Radio Kent the news had come as "a shock".

"We don't know the details, but it's got to be bad for those 500 individuals, those 500 families and Dover district and Thanet where a majority of those will probably live," he said.

"I presume it's about making profits. I don't think this is the way you treat staff who have worked for you. You should treat them with a bit of respect."

"At Christmas, what a kick in the teeth for them."

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