8th February 2017
Firstly my thoughts are with the employees of HP Inc and their families as they receive this difficult news today. There is no doubt that this is a significant blow to the employees, their families and to the region.
My officials and I, together with the IDA, have had extensive discussions with the company in an effort to avert these job losses. I note with regret that the redundancies are arising on account of the company’s global efficiency strategy to accelerate their business transformation. The transfer of work will be phased over 2017 with planned completion by February 2018.
HP remains committed to Ireland and they intend to have a continued sales operations presence in Ireland. Today’s announcement also has no bearing whatsoever on the workers and operations of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a completely separate company that employs over 2,100 people in Leixlip, Galway and Cork. It is important for the workers to know that I have asked that all the supports of the state will be made available to any workers affected by this decision. I have spoken with my colleague Leo Varadkar, Minister for Social Protection, and he has confirmed that officials in his Department are being deployed to brief staff on State supports and re-training options.
I am in daily contact with the IDA and I have asked the Agency to continue with their efforts to ensure jobs are delivered to the region. IDA will continue to work with the company in the time ahead to help secure a buyer for the Leixlip site. Securing investment for Kildare and the surrounding region is a continuing priority.
We have had significant jobs announcement and jobs growth in recent months with jobs announcements right across the country, however, todays news is, sadly, a reminder that we must not be complacent. We have to work hard to ensure we remain competitive and continue to encourage companies into Ireland as well as supporting our home grown businesses.
For further information contact Press Office, D/Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation ph. 6312200 or press.office@djei.ie
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