Shire reorganisation could mean job losses in UK
Research and development carried out in Basingstoke will be reduced
Shire Pharmaceuticals is planning a restructuring programme that could result in job losses at its plant in Basingstoke, UK.
The move is part of the firm's 'One Shire' programme, which aims to ensure that it is 'simplified and optimally positioned to deliver its strategy and sustain its track record of high growth'.
As a part of this, the firm has initiated an employee consultation process at its site in Basingstoke.
Since May, Shire says it has been concentrating on its 'strategic priorities of growing sales of the existing portfolio, bringing new innovative treatments to market through both R&D and business development, while driving greater efficiency within the business'.
Prior to this reorganisation, Shire had three autonomous divisions, each with their own R&D, supply chain, technical operations and commercial infrastructures. These three divisions are being reorganised 'so they are one business, with much reduced overlap,' the firm says.
Its product pipeline will in future focus on programmes that have 'the best chance of clinical and commercial success'.
As a result, Shire it will focus its early stage clinical investment on rare diseases and will therefore discontinue a number of programmes outside this area, which were previously conducted in Basingstoke.
'The result will be a significant decrease in the amount of R&D conducted in Basingstoke,' the firm says. A small number of functional roles will also potentially be cut.
'Our ‘One Shire’ reorganisation is simplifying our business, reducing duplication and prioritising investments in future growth,' says Phil Vickers, Head of Research & Development at Shire.
'We understand this is a very difficult situation for those employees potentially affected by the proposed changes. We firmly believe, however, that these steps are vital to Shire remaining a high growth business that continues to develop products that serve unmet patient need.'
Shire says Basingstoke 'will continue to be an important location for the firm, particularly for the UK business'.
Separately, Shire is also looking to re-locate its Swiss operations from Eysins to Zug, and is starting a consultation process with its employees there.
