Councillors to discuss community support strategies following on from Glaxo Smith Kline's (GSK) announcement yesterday, 11 October, to relocate from their HQ offices in Brentford.

The pharmaceutical company GSK announced that they are moving their commercial division to Weybridge in Surrey by the end of 2022.

Their Research and Development and Vaccines Business will remain in the current premises, at 980 Great West Road, until 2023. 

GSK have stated they will engage with Hounslow and base their search for a new permanent HQ offices in the same area, to minimise disruption to staff, and will undertake an extensive global search for an alternative occupier for the Great West Road site. 

Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth, Ruth Cadbury MP assured that local jobs will be protected and the economy supported during the move.

She said: ''The news that GSK will be leaving their site on the Great West Road will have a huge impact on our local area.

"GSK are a major employer locally, and I know that many people rely on their Brentford site, both for their job and also for the wider investment it brings in for businesses locally.

"This news comes at a time when Hounslow is facing a turbulent economic future due to the coronavirus pandemic, and decline in international aviation.  

"I will be meeting with GSK and working with Hounslow Council to ensure that local jobs are protected, and to support our local economy during this move.''

Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran said he would be working with Ruth Cadbury to assess the implications of the announcement, and establish the best ways to support everyone involved.

He said: "GSK have been a landmark presence and valued employer in our borough since 2002. 

"We understand their need to find more suitable accommodation to meet the needs of their new business model and ways of working, and will be working closely with them to mitigate the impact of the decision on the community at an already very difficult time.  

"Renewing our local economies and supporting residents and businesses remains a continuing priority, which this announcement makes even more crucial."