Plan B attempts to save hundreds of jobs at Diageo

An "alternative business plan" will be presented to Diageo this month in an attempt to curtail hundreds of proposed job cuts.

Various bodies - including the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and East Ayrshire Councils, trade unions and local MPs and MSPs - have been working on the plan.

"In an attempt to protect employment in both Kilmarnock and Glasgow," said the Scottish government's finance secretary, John Swinney, "we have requested the financial information behind Diageo's original decision and must now, working together with cross-party politicians, trade unions and business support professionals, work to progress an alternative business proposal."

As Food Manufacture went to press, the first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, was scheduled to meet with the chief executive of drinks giant Diageo to discuss some of the proposals.

Salmond said: "Diageo has committed to a genuine consultation and we are working to ensure the firm fully understands the consequences of its decision."

But, despite talks of an alternative business plan, Diageo told the Scottish National Party that the first phase of the Hurlford distribution site closure would begin in September.

However, Salmond said he would continue the joint campaign to save jobs at the Port Dundas distillery and Johnnie Walker bottling plant.

Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary, said: "Diageo must review its proposals." He added: "The workers will pursue every avenue in fighting to keep Diageo jobs in Scotland."