READERS have reacted to the announcement that 100 jobs are at risk at GSK in Ulverston.

The news follows the $350m sale of one of GSK’s divisions to pharmaceuticals company Sandoz.

Barry Mcclure said: “It’s sad but nobody is surprised. It was a fantastic place to work.”

Kevin Myers said: “Worked in there for 20 years. It was never going to survive after they pulled the plug on the bio farm. They have given it another four years. It will be shut in 18 months.” Al Phizzer Phizacklea said: “This has been coming for years. No surprise really.”

Paul Martin said: “They have been telling people it will shut for years. I worked in there for 12 years and watched buildings coming down all the time. Don’t know why people are so surprised – the writing was on the cards.”

Anthony Perkins said: “But GSK kept the sale to a foreign pharmaceuticals giant quiet till last minute which is not the way to do business. Surely, you would tell your workers of possible sale to a foreign company or closure of the factory giving notice for workers to prepare on what to do in that event?

"GSK should be offering those affected staff, generous relocation and remuneration packages to relocate to other GSK pharmaceuticals factories and plants around the UK or for those whose worked enough years and are eligible, a generous retirement package sweetener and final salary pension. ”

Julie Livingston said: “Knew that this was coming, but such a shame. Brilliant job opportunities gone with nothing like them to replace them.”