ONE of Dartford’s biggest employers has announced plans to shed 360 jobs. The jobs will go over the next three years after GlaxoSmithKline unveiled proposals to close one of its two manufacturing sites in the town.

The company said the closure of the East site follows a business review “designed to enhance the competitiveness and productivity” of its primary manufacturing operations. GSK says the decision was based on current and forecast volumes for the company’s existing and new products.

It plans to close the older East site by 2006 and concentrate future manufacturing in Dartford on the North site in Temple Hill.

GSK says it hopes to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum and has already begun talks with unions and staff organisations over the site closure and job cuts.

Dartford's MP, Dr Howard Stoate, has expressed his sadness and disappointment at the news.