GSK may cut up to 1,217 jobs in Belgium amid vaccine demand shift

GSK plans to cut up to 1,217 permanent jobs at Belgian sites in Wavre, Rixensart and Gembloux, about 14% of its roughly 8,500-person workforce. The move is part of a global restructuring aiming for £1.9 billion ($2.5 billion) in savings by 2029. CEO Luke Miels launched the programme in July amid an approaching patent cliff for HIV drug dolutegravir. GSK employed 66,841 people globally at year-end and more than 8,000 at the three Belgian sites. The company cites changing global vaccine demand and plans to streamline research, manufacturing and support with digital tools and automation while redirecting resources to priority medicines and vaccines. Cuts target research and development, management, office and support roles; manual production workers are expected to be spared. Belgian labor unions were formally notified under collective-dismissal procedures, and local officials are monitoring support for workers. Changes are to run over two years. GSK says Belgium will remain central, it will stay the country's largest biopharmaceutical employer, and Belgium will keep producing most of its vaccines. Shares rose 2.6% at 1430 GMT.