UK: Diageo concludes Scotland restructuring talks

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 9 December 2009

Diageo has confirmed that "the vast majority" of workers affected by its planned restructure in Scotland have accepted the company's proposals.

Back in July, the drinks giant announced its intention to cut more than 10% of its workforce in Scotland. The announcement led to a storm of opposition in the country from politicians and unions, which rumbled on throughout the summer.

"Diageo has today concluded discussions with employees on the restructuring proposals announced by the company on 1 July," the company said today (9 December).

"Through the well-established negotiation framework all the trades unions representing employees have recommended acceptance of the proposals," said the group, which is the largest Scotch whisky distiller and owner of the Johnnie Walker brand.

"Last week, GMB (trade union) approved an offer and today Unite confirmed that - following a vote of the membership - the vast majority of the Diageo workforce has fully accepted the offer and the proposals."

The company also said that the agreement, which includes targeted voluntary redundancy, "has been reached within the financial business case laid out in the original announcement".

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Diageo, Johnnie Walker