AstraZeneca job cuts a 'hammer blow' to UK manufacturing

Major pharma player AstraZeneca is to cut almost 100 jobs in what’s being described as a ‘hammer blow’ to UK manufacturing.

Consultations began yesterday (25 March) with staff at the company’s Macclesfield campus being told there will be 94 redundancies made by 2020.

The decision was made following investment in a new packing facility, which requires fewer employees.

Organiser for trade union GMB, Stephen Boden said: “This is a hammer blow for manufacturing in the North West – and the UK as a whole.

“The decision to restructure manufacturing capacity is devastating news for GMB members and their families.

“We will work closely with affected members to mitigate compulsory job losses and to secure the best possible deal through the consultation period.”