More than 170 InBev sales staff face axe

More than 170 InBev UK on-trade sales staff face being made redundant as part of a review of the business, The Publican ​understands.

According to a company insider, 161 InBev freetrade sales reps across England and Wales - around 60 per cent - could lose their job.

And between 12 and 15 sales staff covering the managed sector also face the axe as part of a review of the company, which merged with American brewer Annheuser-Busch last year.

InBev responded by saying that "no final decisions have been taken". However a spokeswoman added that the proposals could lead to around 300 people losing their job, subject to a consultation.

Freetrade staff affected were apparently given a briefing at noon today about the proposals. A 90-day consultation process has now kicked -off.

The Publican​ also understands InBev is proposing to close three of its regional offices, which are Exeter, Redhill and Birmingham.

Responding to the claims, an InBev UK spokeswoman said: "As a result of the recent merger we have started a detailed consultation process with employees of InBev and Anheuser-Busch in the UK about synergies as a result of the integration of the two companies.

"Along with the synergies identified as part of the integration we have also decided to carry out restructures within a number of areas across the businesses.

"Both consultation around proposed role impacts as a result of integration and proposed role impact as a result of a restructure will be conducted at the same time.

"We are committed to ensuring that people are treated with integrity and respect throughout the integration process. At this time however, it is business as usual in the UK."

InBev said it would not comment on details of the proposals as it was "a consultation and no final decisions have been taken".

Earlier this week InBev announced plans to close Annheuser-Busch's Stag Brewery in Mortlake, London, next year as part of its review.