DOZENS of research jobs in Basingstoke could be facing the axe at Britain’s third largest pharmaceutical manufacturer Shire.

The FTSE 100 listed company based at Unity Place, on Hampshire International Business Park, in Chineham, is soon to undertake a restructuring programme as part of the company’s One Shire programme.

This is being driven by Shire’s recently appointed chief executive Dr Flemming Ørnskov, with the aim of simplifying the business, prioritising future investments and keeping Shire on a path of sustainable growth.

Although unconfirmed by Shire, it is believed that up to 180 jobs are at risk, at Unity Place, where 520 people are employed.

In a media release issued today, Shire confirmed that it has initiated an employee consultation process in Basingstoke.

The company is proposing to discontinue a number of programmes outside of its rare diseases division.

The statement said: “The cessation of these programmes, which have been carried out in Basingstoke, will result in a significant decrease in the amount of R&D conducted in Basingstoke. A small number of functional roles will also potentially be impacted.”

Phil Vickers, head of Research & Development for Shire, said: “Our One Shire reorganisation is simplifying our business, reducing duplication and prioritising investments in future growth.

“We understand this is a very difficult situation for those employees potentially affected by the proposed changes we have announced today in Basingstoke, and we are fully committed to supporting them during this consultation process.

“We firmly believe, however, that these steps are vital to Shire remaining a high growth business that continues to develop products that serve unmet patient need.”

He added that Basingstoke will continue to be an important location for Shire, particularly for the UK business, and that Basingstoke will continue to be the base for the employees that support the Shire business in the UK and globally.