Hundreds of jobs to go as health-tech firm confirms plans to exit Irish market

More than 300 people are set to lose their jobs following the decision of health tech firm Elevance Health to leave the Irish market after only four years.

Elevance Health, the parent company of Carelon Global Solutions, which employs more than 300 people in Limerick city, confirmed its closure in a statement to Limerick Live.

"After carefully considering alternatives and conducting a consultation process with employee representatives, we have made the difficult decision that we will cease our operations of Carelon Global Solutions Ireland Limited," the firm confirmed.

Staff were informed of the decision at a briefing this Wednesday.

"We greatly appreciate the work and dedication from associates in Ireland over the past few years and are committed to supporting them during this time," the company statement added.

It says it will be winding down its operation by the end of 2025.

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The American company exists to address healthcare challenges. 

Carelon's research and development hub in Ireland is located in the National Technology Park at Plassey on the outskirts of Limerick city.

Through the development of artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions, staff at the facility are developing software to enable people to live healthier and longer lives. They also help to identify efficiencies in healthcare provision.

Only last year, it announced 100 new jobs in Limerick, in news the company said at the time would bring its headcount to 310 staff locally.

It followed the firm winning the company of the year at the Limerick Chamber business award, alongside the title of best employer.

Carelon, formerly known as Legato Health Technologies, has had a presence in Ireland, based in Limerick, since November 2021.