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Post by Patrick on Feb 2, 2011 0:53:18 GMT
Earlier on this evening I heard that 200 jobs were going in Sandwich as Pfizer closed this or that at their factory there. I certainly didn't realise that it was the whole lot and 2400 jobs! It's a huge blow to East Kent - especially in the wake of the transport improvements with the High Speed Line - and just shows how much we're at the mercy of foreign firms now. Pfizer had had a presence in the area since the 1950's. Apparently, a little while back Cameron had spoken to the boss down there advertising (and using it as a publicity stunt) the Tories new tax breaks on Patents (or something). So it's a slap in the face for him too. The MP down there hopes they will attract some other company to the area - I doubt very much they'll get anything of that scale. Despite the rail - East Kent could be as far away as Penzance to many. Pfizer on the surface were quite "Green" Employers too. They had encouraged "Bike to Work" schemes and (I think) actually bought bikes for employees. There was also regular dedicated bus services to the plant too. Report |
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Post by everso on Feb 2, 2011 10:18:28 GMT
Earlier on this evening I heard that 200 jobs were going in Sandwich as Pfizer closed this or that at their factory there. I certainly didn't realise that it was the whole lot and 2400 jobs! It's a huge blow to East Kent - especially in the wake of the transport improvements with the High Speed Line - and just shows how much we're at the mercy of foreign firms now. Pfizer had had a presence in the area since the 1950's. Apparently, a little while back Cameron had spoken to the boss down there advertising (and using it as a publicity stunt) the Tories new tax breaks on Patents (or something). So it's a slap in the face for him too. The MP down there hopes they will attract some other company to the area - I doubt very much they'll get anything of that scale. Despite the rail - East Kent could be as far away as Penzance to many. Pfizer on the surface were quite "Green" Employers too. They had encouraged "Bike to Work" schemes and (I think) actually bought bikes for employees. There was also regular dedicated bus services to the plant too. ReportTrue. It's amazing how the last 30 years has seen such a change in this country. As you know there's a thread elsewhere about My Attic, and virtually all the toys and clothes that we've brought down and sorted out were made in the UK. You'd have a job finding anything like that made in this country nowadays. |
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Post by Weyland on Feb 2, 2011 12:46:33 GMT
True. It's amazing how the last 30 years has seen such a change in this country. As you know there's a thread elsewhere about My Attic, and virtually all the toys and clothes that we've brought down and sorted out were made in the UK. You'd have a job finding anything like that made in this country nowadays. I had thought this was a little ray of sunshine until I read the end bit. I'm not sure if it's still doing anything. Last time I was in Ironbridge, a couple of years ago, the factory shop was still there. Ironbridge is well worth a visit, by the way. The lovely Iron Bridge itself, and ten museums, including a Victorian town. The Chad Valley factory was in Wellington, a few miles from Ironbridge. Its Managing Director for a while was Kenneth Horne. Yes, him. |
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Post by jean on Feb 2, 2011 13:49:15 GMT
Pfizer make Viagra, don't they?
I can see why you're all worried.
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Post by everso on Feb 2, 2011 17:41:34 GMT
Silence.  |
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Post by Weyland on Feb 2, 2011 18:07:45 GMT
Silence. It's obvious. None of us need the stuff. And even if I did, I get plenty of email from would-be benefactors who would love to supply me. I expect they're charitable organisations only too eager to help build the Big Society. Or maybe it's the WI exercising some enlightened self-interest. |
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