Diageo to cut jobs in Northern Ireland, shift roles to India

Diageo has confirmed plans to cut nearly 60 jobs in Northern Ireland and move some commercial operations roles to India, reported The Irish Times.

Diageo currently employs around 300 people across three Northern Ireland sites. These include its beer packaging plant in east Belfast, corporate headquarters in Belfast City Centre, and the Baileys global supply facility at Mallusk, which produces around 60 million bottles of the cream liqueur annually for export to more than 150 markets.

A company spokesperson said the restructuring is aimed at “supporting Diageo’s future growth ambition” by consolidating certain commercial operations into its commercial experience centre of excellence in India. “This proposed transition may impact a number of commercial operations roles at Diageo Northern Ireland, and we are committed to supporting our employees through a comprehensive consultation process and providing support during this transition period,” the spokesperson added.

Despite the planned job cuts, Diageo Northern Ireland showed strong financials in its latest accounts to June 2024, with sales rising 5 percent to £189.8 million and profits surging 340 percent from £2.3 million to £7.8 million, stated the media report.

The move comes as Diageo steps up a global cost-cutting drive after a challenging year marked by rising costs, weaker spirits demand among younger consumers and the departure of its former chief executive. In August, the company announced it is targeting £625 million in savings, up from a previous goal of £500 million, as it shifts toward a “more agile global operating model” to strengthen cash flow.