Drug capsule firm sheds 275 jobs

One of Swindon's largest employers has said it will be shedding 275 jobs.

Catalent Pharma Solutions said it had to make the cuts at its Blagrove plant by December 2011.

The American-based firm makes soft gel capsules for the pharmaceutical industry. It has blamed low levels of global demand for the cuts.

The 550 workers at Catalent's Zydis fast-dissolving tablets' factory in Swindon have been told their jobs remain secure.

All the affected workers have been told about the cutback.

Jorge Castro, general manager of Catalent's sogftgel business, said: "We intend to manage this transition to ensure consistent service to our customers, and to effectively support our employees at the site."