Pfizer continues to search for CROs to occupy a U.K. site, but the local council is disappointed by the lack of government action.

Pfizer plans to exit the Sandwich site by the end of 2012, affecting 2,400 employees and 900 on-site contractors. Another 10,000 jobs are under threat at other local businesses, and the council hopes Pfizer can avoid adding to this by moving staff to CROs.

“Pfizer is progressing commercially confidential negotiations with potential CROs and exploring the potential for small spin-out companies to develop from the site,” said the Sandwich Economic Development Task Force.

Moving Pfizer staff and assets to CROs is viewed by the task sorce as the first phase of a five-step transition process. With a core of CROs in place, the task force will look to attract startups and large-scale occupiers to take on whole buildings.

To support this process, the task force made a number of proposals to the government but has been disappointed by the lack of action. Pfizer has already sent ‘at risk of redundancy’ notices to 900 staff, making the next month critical for the future of the Sandwich site.

“If there is to be some form of state aid, it is needed now,” said the task force. Incentives could be used to encourage CROs to occupy the site.