GSK Job Losses

Unite has said it is "deeply disappointed" that pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to axe 380 jobs.

Plans by GSK to make about 380 employees redundant in Harlow, Essex have been condemned by Unite. A third of the workforce is due to lose their jobs after projects for pain relief, anxiety and depression drugs end.

Unite was also critical that the axe was falling just a week after the company announced a 12 per cent jump in profits.

Unite regional officer, Geoff Usher, said: "We are deeply disappointed by the news of the redundancies which will be a body blow to the local economy. Unite will be doing its utmost to assist our members at this difficult time for them and their families.

"We will be having talks with the company to see if alternative employment can be found within GSK for the employees affected. The redundancies come as GSK has again made healthy profits which those who are losing their jobs have contributed to.

'"It is therefore puzzling that those who have helped create a very profitable company should now be seeking new employment.