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Diageo job losses
01/07/2009
Commenting on news that up to 500 workers in Scotland face the prospect of losing their jobs at drinks firm Diageo, Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
"This is an extremely disappointing announcement which could mean up to 500 workers losing their jobs. The Scottish Government is asking the company to reconsider this course of action and to look at alternatives which protect employment.
"The First Minister has this morning spoken to the company and will meet senior executives tomorrow to make exactly that point.
"This will be a particularly worrying time for workers at Kilmarnock and Port Dundas. We note there will be no compulsory redundancies for 12 months - a pledge we want the company to guarantee - and welcome the creation of 400 new jobs at the company's new packaging plant in Fife.
"If job losses occur we will, through Skills Development Scotland, coordinate local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative.
"The food and drink industry is vital to the Scottish economy and it is encouraging that Diageo remains a significant employer and is committed to Scotland.
"Our recently launched National Food and Drink Policy recognises Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink and will help support the sector's contribution to the Government's purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth.
"And we are supporting businesses and individuals through ScotAction, our skills support package providing financial assistance during the current economic downturn."