According to published reports, New Jersey-are pharma companies have collectively shed around 200,000 jobs, measuring only as far back as 2005.
That means the $3.6 million in retraining aid allocated in New Jersey (see below) will have to be spread thinly over those laid-off -- as there are just so many former pharma people out of work.
Even so, it is some good news, per NJBiz.com. Do go read it all, but here is a bit:
. . . .The [New Jersey] state Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Friday announced the availability of $3.6 million in federal funding for retraining and re-employment opportunities for pharmaceutical workers who have been laid off.
Among the eligible workers are those who have worked at such companies as Amicus Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. and Pfizer, according to Labor. . . .
The grant funding will be used to assist workers who were laid off from specific pharmaceutical operations to find new jobs, or to obtain training to enter employment in other growing industry sectors. Services available include skills assessment, career counseling and skills training; qualified candidates may receive up to $5,000 in education grants. . . .
It is something -- true enough -- but nothing near what's needed, to fully redeploy this workforce. Make no mistake, the jobs they once held are not coming back -- at least not to any facility in the United States.
2 comments:
I would add, even if they do come back the jobs will not be at the same pay level as seen in the past.
BTW: did you see the blurb about the CRO hired by S/P that falsified data (it is on Pharmalot).
I did see that -- thanks, and I decided not to add it here, because (1) it was legacy Schering-Plough; and (2) there is no evidence that Schering-Plough officials knew the CRO employees were crooked -- when they were hired, or thereafter.
In fact, most accounts I've read suggest that -- at least this one time -- the schering people handled the situation entirely above board.
BTW, I completely agree that whatever pharma sales or R&D jobs that are re-staffed in the USA, are likely to be at lower inflation-adjusted salaries, or as contractors.
Namaste
Post a Comment