'Major job cuts' at Brewdog brewery and head office

Job cuts across “several departments” have been announced at Brewdog.

The company sent an internal email to staff on Friday, revealing it was “right-sizing” parts of the business.

Unite the union said the beer business was making “major jobs cuts” at its head office and brewery in Ellon.

In an email sent to staff, Brewdog CEO James Taylor said it was “operating in a tough and fast-changing market” and had reviewed its structure.

“As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to right-size parts of the business,” he said.

“These changes have affected a number of roles across several departments. Impacted individuals and teams have now been informed, and we’re working closely with them to manage the transition with care and support.

“We know change can feel unsettling, and we don’t take these decisions lightly. But we are confident that the steps we’re taking now will help us operate more simply, stay focused, and drive the business forward.”

The business update said staff members with any questions should contact their manager or a member of the leadership team.

Unite the union said it was a “deeply worrying sign” for the company’s future.

It read: “BrewDog CEO confirms major job cuts at Head Office and Ellon Brewery.

“After weeks of uncertainty, this is a deeply worrying sign for the company’s future. We shall be supporting all affected members to secure everything they’re entitled to.”

It comes just two months after co-founder Martin Dickie announced his departure from the company and alcohol industry for “personal reasons”.

Dickie founded the Ellon-based firm with James Watt in 2007, who stepped down as chief executive in 2024.

Watt and Dickie started their business aged 24 from a garage in the north eastern Scottish town of Fraserburgh – selling hand-filled bottles out of a van at local markets.

In June, the craft beer chain announced that it had closed ten of its bars because they were deemed “no longer commercially viable.”

The restructuring included shutting its flagship bar on Aberdeen’s Gallowgate, the first bar opened by the company in 2010, and one in Dundee.