Diageo faces backlash over job cuts

Drinks giant Diageo is under pressure from trade unions and political leaders in Scotland over its decision to axe 900 jobs.

Diageo announced last week that it planned to close its whisky bottling plant in Kilmarnock and its grain distillery in Port Dundas, Glasgow over the next two years. But it would create 400 new jobs in Fife.

However, trade union the GMB has met with Diageo to voice its displeasure at the move. "This announcement has sent shock waves across these communities and Scotland," said GMB Scotland secretary Harry Donaldson.

"The impact of these announcements if carried through will significantly affect the economic stability and social fabric of these communities.

"Diageo need to be aware that the whole of Scotland has been shocked by the scale of this announcement which was not on the radar. I personally witnessed the shock and disbelief on employees faces yesterday following this announcement."

Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond also lent his voice to the campaign to save jobs. Salmond's Scottish National Party has already accrued 2,000 signatures on a petition and Glasgow MSP Bob Dorris is to meet Diageo this week for further talks. He is concerned over reports that bottling may be moved outside of Scotland.

"The public response to these job losses has been overwhelming — yet it seems there is still more to do before Diageo get the message," said Dorris.

"A large part of whisky's value comes from it's Scotch heritage. To throw away first the local heritage and then to suggest bottling whisky overseas will do Diageo more harm than good."