09/02/2011

Task Force Set Up Over UK Pfizer Loss

A task force, set up to help a Kent town deal with the closure of the drugs plant Pfizer, is meeting for the first time.

Science Minister David Willetts, who visited the site on Monday, and Business Secretary Vince Cable are among the members of the group.

The Kent based site, which employs 2,400 people, will close due to the company's reorganisation of its research and development (R&D) capacity across the world.

It is expected that the majority of workers will be made redundant over the next two years.

However Pfizer have expressed interest in transferring several hundred positions to other sites or other companies carrying out work for Pfizer.

Business Secretary Vince Cable described the move as "extremely disappointing".

Led by Kent County Council leader Paul Carter, the task force will aim to attract new business to the area.

The meeting will take place at the Department for Business in London and will focus on ways to tackle the issues caused by Pfizer's announcement last week.

A number of Kent MPs and borough and district council leaders, as well as representatives of the pharmaceutical company are attending.

Mr Carter said he would look at "innovative solutions to minimise the impact on the communities of east Kent, as well as the broader Kent economy".

(BMcN/GK)

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