Published: Thursday, 2nd July, 2009 11:01am

Drink Giant's Decision Slammed

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Diageo"s decision to axe 700 Kilmarnock workers has been slammed as 'shameful and totally wrong'.

But the drinks giant stated they had reached the right decision to close their packaging plant at Hill Street within the next two years - despite the Johnnie Walker brand being established in the town in 1820.

Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: 'Our immediate concerns are, of course, for the employees and their families who have today heard this dreadful announcement.

'The first opportunity we had to hear from Diageo and to discuss this with them was when we met this afternoon. Senior Members and Officers quizzed the company as to the reasons for their decisions but we were given no new information and when it was pointed out to them the devastation this would cause in Kilmarnock, the company said that they took this into consideration but were happy that they had reached the correct decision.

'I have today spoken to John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and I know that the First Minister Alex Salmond and John Swinney are meeting with representatives of Diageo. The Scottish Government has pledged its commitment to fight this decision and to have Diageo change their minds and to retain within Kilmarnock, the world renowned Johnnie Walker brand.'

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Cathy Jamieson said:

"The plans are devastating for Kilmarnock and indeed the whole of Ayrshire. I am extremely disappointed both in Diageo's decision to close the plant, and in the way they have sought to communicate these plans to the workforce.

"The Johnnie Walker brand is has been linked with Kilmarnock for nearly two centuries, there is a strong history and tradition, and a great deal of local pride associated with it.

"Diageo have benefited greatly from a loyal and dedicated workforce, and it seems incredible that they are so ready to cast aside these loyal employees so easily."

MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun Des Browne said: 'Diageo"s decision has got little if anything to do with a recession. It is designed to boost their profits at the expense of their staff.

'It appears quite deliberately intended to break the link between their leading brand, Johnnie Walker and its heritage.'

Finance Secretary John Swinney said: 'This will be a particularly worrying time for workers at Kilmarnock. We note there will be no compulsory redundancies for 12 months - a pledge we want the company to guarantee.

'If job losses occur we will, through Skills Development Scotland, coordinate local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative.'