Dozens of jobs at risk at Diageo's Highland and island distilleries

Dozens of jobs are at risk at drinks giant Diageo’s Highlands and island distilleries as the global brand looks to cut costs.

The company, which operates 31 distilleries across Scotland, has placed 172 jobs at risk of redundancy.

Of those, 38 could be lost.

Union GMB Scotland says the spirits-maker intends to make cuts at distilleries across the Highlands and islands, including Cardhu, Cragganmore, Port Ellen, Islay, and Dufftown.

The union said a four-week consultation ended last week, but claims an agreement on the number of potential job losses or the redundancy process has not been reached.

Lesley-Anne Macaskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands and islands, said: “We have now had five meetings with the company to discuss its plans but there has been no serious attempt to engage with our members’ concerns or modify its plans in any way.

“This has not been a genuine consultation but a box-ticking exercise by a company intent on steam-rollering through job losses to a plan that has already been decided.

“The absolute refusal to engage with our members’ concerns is a morally bankrupt betrayal of a skilled, experienced and committed workforce.”

Union leaders are critical of the proposals, and the potential impact on rural communities.

Diageo said no final decisions have been made and a consultation is ongoing.

A Diageo spokesperson said: “In February, at our Interim Results, we shared our intention to redesign our operating framework, to drive sustainable returns for shareholders by delivering a more competitive Diageo.

“In the UK, we are still in consultation on this and no decisions have been made.

“We will always prioritise informing our colleagues of any organisational changes first and have committed to update shareholders on our progress at a Capital Markets Day on August 6.”