Around 20 scientists at the Discovery Park in Sandwich have lost their jobs, it has been confirmed.

Drugs giant Pfizer has withdrawn a contract from Peakdale Molecular, which is part of the Concept Life Sciences Group.

A spokesman for Concept Life Sciences said: “Due to a strategic decision by one of our clients we recently had to reduce the number of scientists allocated to that specific project by around 20.

“However, 60% of whom have already been transferred on to other projects and we expect additional positions to be filled during 2016.

“Concept Life Sciences is undergoing a significant period of growth and we expect to increase our total workforce count by at least 20% during 2016, thus bringing additional employment to the Sandwich community.”

The Mercury reported on potential redundances in October after it received a tip-off from an anonymous source. At the time, neither company could confirm a number.

The Concept Life Sciences Group operates on a contract-by-contract basis and is constantly revisiting the number of scientists it contracts with.

A spokesman said: “The scientists we work with are very familiar with this way of working and are aware they are contracted for a specific project.

“When projects come to an end we work hard to reposition the scientists we work with, recognising the benefit consistency provides.”