100 Glaxo workers want voluntary redundancy

1:27pm Friday 18th April 2008

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MORE than 100 workers at Ulverston's largest employer have shown an interest in voluntary redundancy in the light of sweeping job cuts.

Earlier this year, GlaxoSmithKline announced it would be cutting its workforce by more than half, with 330 of the 540 jobs being axed.

GSK spokesman Steve Bowe said: "Further to the announcement in February 2008 to downsize the site head count, a commitment was given to provide an opportunity for staff to apply for voluntary redundancy.

"The voluntary redundancy application process was made available on March 31, 2008, and will remain open until December 19, 2008.

"To date, in excess of 100 staff have expressed an interest and have been provided with redundancy-related payment estimates.

"These staff are now considering their circumstances to decide if they wish to formally apply for voluntary redundancy."

Steve Mashiter, of union Unite, said: "It is not that much of a surprise that people have shown an interest.

"From everybody's point of view, not just the union's, the obvious intent is to try to avoid compulsory redundancy. They are sad days when people are having to lose their jobs, but the more voluntary redundancies we can try to achieve, the better."