GRS Blog

AstraZeneca to axe 7,300 jobs worldwide - what's the impact on the UK?

07/2/2012

Yes, today is another day when the pharma industry takes another beating with the announcement that AstraZeneca is to axe 7,300 jobs worldwide, half of which will be in sales and administration. 

The remaining half to occur in R&D and operations.  AstraZeneca has R&D and manufacturing units in the UK so doesn't bode well for our unemployment figures.  It also goes against the UK Government's marketing spin that the UK is a centre of excellence for Research.  "One step forwards and two steps backwards" does come to mind!

On a more positive note, these lay-offs may actually result in some highly innovative and lucrative spin-out companies.  Only time will tell.

Comment by Greer Deal, Director of Global Regulatory Services (GRS)