Baxter planning lay-offs

Baxter Malta has called an urgent meeting with the General Workers’ Union for later this morning. It is understood that the company, which produces medical consumables, is planning to lay off some 80 employees. In May last year, the company had announced that it was to transfer its global research and development arm to Malta. Earlier this month, pharmaceutical company Actavis revealed plans to close down its research and development department in Bulebel, laying off 64. Managing director Sergio Vella had said that, following its acquisition by US giant Watson, the company ended up with many R&D units worldwide, creating duplication of work.