Swiss drugmaker Novartis has announced plans to cut 1,700 jobs in Switzerland as well as around 400 jobs in the UK and the end of manufacturing in Grimsby, as part of a global programme to slash production costs and boost profitability.
Novartis added that the move was “not linked to the UK decision to leave the European Union”.
Haseeb Ahmad, Novartis UK president, said: “Novartis has been a part of the Grimsby community for many years so this has been a very difficult decision.
“The Grimsby site is an effective, well-running operation that is testament to the hard-working and dedicated employees. We will treat every employee with the utmost respect, sensitivity and fairness during this difficult time.
“This decision has been made alongside broader changes to our business globally, and as a result of the changes in our product portfolio which now focuses on more specialised medicines, reflective of today’s changing healthcare needs.”