Jobs to go as Carlsberg plans brewery closure

Around 170 jobs are under threat after Carlsberg announced plans to close its Leeds brewery in 2011.

The company, which employs 2,000 people in the UK, said the decision had been made because financial pressures meant it could no longer justify running two major breweries in the UK.

If the proposal goes ahead Carlsberg will try to relocate the brewery's 170 staff in other roles throughout the business.

Tetley is currently brewed at the site and Carlsberg said they were looking at other options to brew it in Yorkshire.

Darran Britton, Carlsberg marketing director, stressed that the brand was not under threat from the brewery closure.

"Preferably Tetley will be brewed in Yorkshire, if not then the North and then the UK but the preference is Yorkshire.

"Tetley is a key part of our business and this is not about us getting rid of the brand and we are committed to it."

He added the remaining production from the site would either be incorporated by Carlsberg's breweries in Northampton or elsewhere in Europe.

Nick Webb, supply chain director of Carlsberg, said the announcement was made in advance to give staff time to find other positions.

"We are announcing the closure proposal more than two years in advance so that our employees are able to prepare for the future," he said.

"We have to consider the difficult decisions to remain competitive in the current environment and we regret the risk to the jobs of our employees.

"Although the business has remained robust in tough marker conditions, this proposed move is vital to ensure Carlsberg UK remains a strong and sustainable business in the future."