Hewlett Packard job losses a blow to the local area

THE loss of 280 jobs at Hewlett Packard in Sandyford has been described as a devastating blow to the local area.

The computer company is laying off 220 employees and 60 contractors.

In a statement, Hewlett Packard said it was still fully committed to its operations in Ireland, where it employs 3,000 in Leixlip, Co Kildare, and 800 workers in Ballybrit, Co Galway.

The company also said it hopes to continue hiring in Ireland and that the construction of a new high-end facility at its site in Galway was still on track.

However, the computing firm was dealt a blow by a decision by client Barclaycard to move services closer to its customers in Portugal and Italy.

Sinn Féin’s local representative, Chris Curran, said he was shocked at the news.

“The loss of 280 jobs at Hewlett Packard will be a devastating blow to workers and the local area,

? he said.

“Many of these workers have contributed to the growth and development of the company.

“There is a need for a coherent and comprehensive plan to support these workers to find alternative employment.

?

Deputy Olivia Mitchell (FG) expressed sympathy with the workers.

“This is very bad news for the workers impacted by this decision,

? she said.

“However, I am pleased to see Hewlett Packard has committed to minimising the impact as far as possible by looking at all redeployment options.

“This is continuing evidence of the churn that continually takes place within major multinational companies.

“I welcome Hewlett Packard’s continued commitment to hiring new staff for high-end jobs in Ireland, as well as its commitment to building a new state-of-the-art facility in Galway.

?

She added:

“My thoughts are with those workers who have received this bad news and I welcome the Minister’s promise of all the supports of the State in finding new employment should that support be needed.

?

The announcement came in the same week as Ulster Bank said it was preparing to lay-off up to a third of its staff, and close many rural branches while focusing on customers in mortgage arrears.

It is understood that the bank intends to lay off as many as 1,800 staff and close up to 40 branches.