AgResearch staff facing uncertain future, NZ science to suffer

The Public Service Association (PSA) says staff at AgResearch are nervously awaiting news about their future, as the crown research institute confirms a major review including job losses will be announced later this week.

The PSA has nearly 350 members working at AgResearch sites across the country.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said "Our members at AgResearch will be nervously waiting to see if their jobs are on the line later this week,"

"We will be available onsite to support any members whose jobs are affected by the proposed changes.

"AgResearch will be undertaking these cuts in response to systemic underfunding of the research science sector, and the Government must take their share of the blame.

"Science in New Zealand will suffer as experienced and skilled scientists move overseas due to a lack of jobs at home.

"We should be at the cutting edge of agricultural science, but continued job losses and restructuring at AgResearch mean we will be lagging behind.

"Losing your job is an incredibly hard thing, and we will support our members through this process," said Erin Polaczuk.

ENDS

© Scoop Media