HortResearch Staff Face Bleak Christmas

At least eight HortResearch staff face a bleak Christmas and an uncertain future after being told their jobs are to be axed,' PSA organiser Malcolm Blair said today.

`The announcement contradicts the new Government's commitment to building a knowledge based economy,' he said.

`This will send a shock-wave through the science community. It is a threat to scientists' job security and will further exacerbate the brain drain crisis and make New Zealand scientists working overseas reluctant to return home,' he said.

The scientists - the Juice Research Group - are fully funded and mystified as to why they have been targeted for research cuts.

`The government must act now to ensure managers of research facilities are working in the wider public interest, rather than the narrow profit-driven focus that is threatening New Zealand's economic future,' said Blair.

ENDS....

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