UP TO 100 jobs could be lost at Pfizer due to changes in the research and development division at the Sandwich site.

The redundancies are part of cost-cutting measures after a worldwide business review showed losses in revenue for 2005.

Pfizer spokseman Joel Morris said: "The changes being made in research and development are designed to achieve cost savings but at the same time maintain investment in the potential new medicines in the pipeline.

"Changes made will speed decision making, see certain types of work consolidated in particular locations, eliminate duplication of work and improve internal processes to make them more efficient."

Mr Morris said the worldwide business review is necessary to protect Pfizer’s long-term future at a time when the company faces a series of challenges that will result in a decline in revenues in 2005.

He added: "As part of the changes there will be job losses at Sandwich but not all will result in redundancies.

"Some of the roles are currently vacant and will not now be filled and some employees will find other roles within Pfizer.

"The company expects that the total number of redundancies will be less than 100."

Mr Morris pointed out that as a result of the global changes there will also be jobs moving to Sandwich and there will not be a significant change in the total number of people employed in research and development at the site.

"Pfizer recognises that these changes are not easy and that it is a challenging and uncertain time for people," he said.

"We are doing everything possible to mitigate the uncertainty and impact of the changes. Consultation processes have already begun with affected staff and where possible we will seek to re-deploy people within the company."

Mr Morris said Sandwich remains one of Pfizer’s most important and productive research and development sites and despite the changes resulting from the business review the company remains committed to it.

"Just last year a new £115million state-of-the art pharmaceutical sciences building was opened and this is strong evidence of the company’s commitment to Sandwich."