Irn-Bru firm AG Barr set to axe around 100 jobs in Scotland in major overhaul

Irn-Bru manufacturer A.G. Barr is set to axe around 100 jobs in Scotland.

The drinks giant is understood to have told employees last month that their roles were being placed at risk.

It’s believed the majority of the employees affected are drivers at their Cumbernauld depot who are responsible for delivering drinks directly to shops.

The company has confirmed the shock news to the Daily Record but said it “fully intends to support our employees through these proposed changes”.

It’s understood the redundancies will be finalised by the end of June.

A source told the Record: “We were called into a meeting about two weeks ago and told the company was making changes.

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“The workforce is pretty shocked and hurt to be honest as some of these drivers have been with the company for up to 25 years.

“They’ll no longer be delivering to stores directly and just going straight to wholesalers instead.

“We knew about the job losses last month but these plans weren’t included in that announcement. It’s pretty shocking to be honest.”

A.G. Barr last month announced plans to cut almost 200 jobs at sites in Moston, Greater Manchester, Wednesbury near Birmingham and Dagenham, Greater London.

They said the roles were being cut through the closure of direct sales operations at the three sites. The Leeds office for its energy drink brand Boost was also earmarked for closure.

A spokesperson for A.G. Barr today said: “After a full review, we have shared with employees a proposal to close Barr Direct – our direct to store delivery operation for convenience retailers.

“Instead, the company proposes moving to an enlarged and enhanced field sales team, supplying brands through existing wholesale channels in line with our ongoing growth strategy.

“While approximately 100 staff in Scotland have entered a consultation period, we expect some new field roles will be created. These proposals are subject to consultation and we intend to fully support our employees through these proposed changes.”

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