Doris tells Diageo to 'spare a thought for the workers' as profits exceed £2bn

Today Bob Doris MSP has spoken out in the Scottish Parliament about the threatened closure of Diageo’s operations in Glasgow and Kilmarnock. The campaign to stop Diageo pulling out of Port Dundas has been ongoing since the announcement on 1st July and has attracted support from politicians, unions and government.

The Scottish Government has prepared alternative plans to closure in conjunction with Scottish Enterprise, to dissuade the company from going ahead with their plans and the associated job losses.

Speaking following a Scottish Government statement in the debating chamber, Mr Doris said: "If there is even the slimmest chance of saving these jobs, the SNP Government will be there doing all it can to persuade Diageo to change their minds.

"As this campaign reaches a critical stage, I pay tribute to the efforts of unions, workers, the Scottish Government and members of all political parties who have campaigned together, and I urge everyone to continue in a united manner so that these workers stand the best chance.

"That our parliament has decided to debate this issue on the first day back from summer recess shows just how seriously these proposed closures are being taken across the political spectrum. It gives the clear message to the corporate world that our people matter.

"If a highly profitable enterprise cuts jobs to squeeze more profit whilst simultaneously declaring profits of over £2billion, it is only right that our parliament speaks out. Corporate firms have a duty of responsibility to consider the social consequences of big business decisions. As Diageo weathers the economic downturn in good shape it is regrettable that their long term plans for the world leading ‘Johnnie Walker’ label include closing the distillery that has produced it for the past 199 years.

"Companies who reap the bounty of operating in Scotland owe something back to the communities that serve them, serve their profits and serve their shareholders so well."