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....