Almost 200 Intel staff in Kildare could face compulsory redundancies

Around 4,900 people are employed at the Intel plant in Leixlip

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 notification submitted to the Department of Enterprise.

It is understood that the 195 figure is a "worst case scenario" and that the final number may be lower, RTE is reporting. 

Around 4,900 people are employed at the Intel plant in Leixlip.

An Intel statement sent to the Leinster Leader said: "As we announced earlier this year, we are taking steps to become a leaner, faster and more efficient company. 

It added: "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."

In April, it was reported that Intel 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 CEO 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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The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary said social protection supports are being put in place to assist Intel workers.

Commenting today, Minister Calleary said:

“Firstly, my immediate thoughts are with the workers and their families who are facing this difficult news.

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. We will ensure that those 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.

Anyone affected should note that the easiest and quickest way to apply for a jobseeker's payment is online at MyWelfare.ie, which provides safe, convenient online access to social welfare services.”