The decision by Carlsberg to close a brewery in Leeds has come in for criticism from both the GMB Union and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
According to the GMB, this is “devastating” news, while CAMRA said it is a “shortsighted” move by the drinks maker.
Earlier today, Carslberg said 170 jobs will be lost when the plant closes in 2011.
Vice chairman and director of campaigning at CAMRA Bob Stukins claimed that Carlsberg has not promoted Tetley Beer (produced at the same plant) sufficiently.
He said if this is made outside of Leeds it will lack “provenance” which is what consumers expect in the current market.
Stukins commented: “Recent statistics clearly show that real ale is performing better than other beer styles in a declining market. There is an opportunity to respond to this, invest in the Tetley brands and bring them back to glory.”
GMB organiser Steve Huckerby said the “crumb of comfort” is the two-year notice period afforded by Carlsberg.
He said: “GMB wish to see if there is anything that can be done to change Carlsberg’s mind about closing this historic brewery. We must investigate all other avenues.”
There is a “two-year window of opportunity”, added Stukins, meaning that negotiations can still take place with the brewer in an effort to make it change its mind.
