Heineken Ireland has stated that it is committed to avoiding structural layoffs in Ireland this year, but that it has started talks with staff representatives as it examines costs following the introduction of business restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking to The Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for Heineken Ireland said, "At the start of the pandemic, Heineken pledged no structural lay-offs related to COVID-19 during 2020, and Heineken Ireland remains committed to that.
"Unfortunately, given the significant challenges we face now and into the future, we will need to examine all of our costs to ensure that we are in a position to manage the challenges and opportunities ahead. To this end, we are engaging in a meaningful dialogue with staff representatives in relation to potential changes and the impact these potential changes could have on our organisation."
Heineken Ireland, which is based in Cork and produces Murphy's Irish Stout and Beamish as well as other Heineken products, currently employs approximately 400 people across the island of Ireland.
Parent Company Restructuring Plans And Performance
The company performed better than expected over the June-September quarter with a surprising increase in beer sales in the Americas, but said that the COVID-19 pandemic is still too uncertain to provide a reliable 2020 outlook.
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