Global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is to shed up to 240 science jobs at its Kent plant.

The company is axing between five and eight per cent of its research and development workforce worldwide, which could affect at least 150 people and possibly many more in Sandwich.

The move follows Pfizer’s decision to focus its research in six disease areas: Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, schizophrenia, pain, inflammation and diabetes.

It is dropping cardiovascular disease, where Pfizer has been a dominant player with Lipitor, the world’s top-selling drug. Lipitor faces competition from 2011 with Pfizer anticipating a steep drop in revenue.

A spokeswoman said: "Over the next several months we will be looking to reduce our research staff by between five and eight per cent globally.

"We are not able to give out any specific figures for Sandwich but we’re using the five to eight per cent figure here as well."

Up to 3,500 people work at Sandwich but not all are employed on research and not all directly employed by Pfizer.

If the job cuts are made to the lower figure of 3,000, five per cent would involve 150 people losing their jobs. But eight per cent would make it 240.

A 90-day consultation with affected staff got under way on Tuesday. The spokeswoman said the company would do all it could to mitigate job losses, with some people being offered vacancies elsewhere in the company.

In a statement, Pfizer said: "We are aware this decision will affect a number of people – colleagues, their families and the community.

"We are committed to supporting our colleagues through this transition. Pfizer does not make these decisions lightly.

"Everyone affected will be treated with utmost respect and will be offered appropriate financial, professional and personal support."

Pfizer’s workforce at Sandwich - where the company has been established since the 1950s - has reduced considerably in recent years.

South Thanet MP Dr Stephen Ladyman has expressed his disappointment.

He said: "One job lost is one too many and each and every lost job will be a tragedy for the person and family affected."

~ Audio: Hear more from Dr Stephen Ladyman's interview with kmfm about the Pfizer job cuts >>>

Dr Ladyman has requested an urgent meeting with the Sandwich site to stress the importance of minimising the number of people who are to go locally.

• For more news from Sandwich visit eastkentmercury.co.uk >>>