Nearly 100 jobs are at risk as Tennent’s has announced plans to close its facility at Newbridge in Edinburgh.
It has been in operation since October 2020, but the changes – proposed by owner C&C Group – are being made in order to transfer production and distribution to another site in Cambuslang.
Tennent’s is proposing to transfer 41 jobs between the two sites, but even this figure will mean more than half the jobs are axed, and is dependent on whether people can travel the 40 miles distance to Cambuslang.
The Unite union, which represents workers there, said the move would be a “premature decision” and that “all options” must be on the table to save the plant.
Pat Egan, Unite industrial officer, stated: “This is devastating news for the workforce at Tennent’s Newbridge.
“The company promised that having a facility in Edinburgh was only the start of its expansion.
“The site has only been operating for a few years and it’s a cruel blow that 96 workers are facing redundancy – Unite is demanding urgent meetings with Tennent’s so that we can develop a strategy to save the plant.”
Tennent Caledonian Breweries UK is owned by C&C Group, which made a profit after tax of £45.5m during 2023, on a turnover of £1.5bn.
A spokesperson for C&C Group commented: “To service our customers more effectively, we have taken the decision to close our depot in Newbridge, Edinburgh – operations will transfer to our existing facility in Cambuslang.
“The majority of colleagues impacted by this proposal are being offered alternative employment and a consultation process is currently underway as we seek to provide all necessary support and minimise any job losses.
“This proposal to transfer our distribution operation from Newbridge to Cambuslang is expected to conclude by the end of June 2024, with no anticipated impact on customer service.”
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