Ericsson to axe over 100 jobs in Athlone

Ericsson has announced 100 job losses at its Athlone site. The telecommunications giant said, in a short statement, that as part of the Athlone operation was involved in the development of "legacy products", the loss of an unspecified number of jobs was inevitable. It's understood the job numbers concerned are between 100 and 110. The company insisted its presence in Athlone was secure and that the local site would continue to be a strategic R&D centre for Ericsson. " It is one of the few centres in Western Europe that has grown substantially over the last three years. In addition, the almost complete major upgrade of the whole facility in Athlone will enhance the cCompany's capability to introduce more efficient processes and ways-of-working as it migrates its operations to work on the next generation of R&D products and platforms. "However, given that a part of the existing operation is currently involved in the development of legacy products, it is impossible for the site not to sustain some headcount reductions given the reduced investment in these legacy areas. The future strategy remains unchanged and the R&D operations in Athlone remain an integral part of the overall Ericsson portfolio." The decision has been described as "a devastating shock for workers, families and community" by Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael Deputy James Bannon. "The announcement today by Ericsson that approximately 100 workers are to be let go is a nothing short of devastating for Athlone and the Midlands. "My first thoughts are with the staff and their families as they hear this news, today. And he said the news must act as a wake up call to the IDA in the Midlands. "Over 9000 new jobs have been created nationally in IDA-supported companies since the start of 2011 but very few have come online in the Midlands.