Intel has informed the Government that up to 195 staff could face compulsory redundancy at its plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare.
The information is contained in a collective redundancy notification submitted to the Department of Enterprise.
It is understood that the figure is a “worst case scenario” and that the final number may be lower.
The specific roles to be impacted will be identified during a consultation process that is expected to conclude by September.
Around 4,900 people are employed at the Intel plant in Leixlip.
In April, it was reported that the company was planning to cut up to 20% of its global workforce amid a weak set of financial results that came in below analysts’ estimates.
In a memo to employees at the time, Intel Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan said the company needed to get back to its roots, empower engineers and remove organisational complexity.
He said: “There is no way around the fact that these critical changes will reduce the size of our workforce.
“As I said when I joined, we need to make some very hard decisions to put our company on a solid footing for the future.
“This will begin in Q2, and we will move as quickly as possible over the next several months.”
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In a statement issued this afternoon, Intel said it is “taking steps to become a leaner, faster and more efficient company”.
“We are making these decisions based on careful consideration of what’s needed to position our business for the future, and we will treat people with care and respect as we complete this important work.”
Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, who represents the Kildare North constituency, said a plan must be rapidly put in place to support the up to 195 staff facing compulsory redundancy.
Mr Farrelly said he wrote to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke and asked him what are the next steps that his Department and the IDA will be taking to ensure those facing redundancy are provided with adequate supports.
“We must see a full suite of supports provided by Intel and the State – those affected need to be made aware of their rights, entitlements, and any offers of up-skilling or access to further education,” he said.
In a statement this evening the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, said social protection supports are being put in place to assist Intel workers.
“My Department will be contacting the company to offer information on all of our income and employment supports that are available to assist these employees over the coming months,” said Minister Calleary adding that they will ensure that affected employees will receive access to all necessary supports without delay.
“A team from the Department will be available to meet with the workforce to ensure swift access to income supports, including the new Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit.
“This new scheme provides a weekly payment of up to €450, which will help people during this period of uncertainty while they seek new employment.
“The team will also be available to support workers into alternative employment, or to access appropriate education and development options.”
