FORMULA ONE FANS URGED TO BACK JOHNNIE WALKER JOBS

FORMULA ONE FANS URGED TO BACK JOHNNIE WALKER JOBS

Formula One fans are being called on to back the campaign to save Johnnie Walker jobs in Kilmarnock and Diageo jobs in Glasgow as this week’s German grand prix gets under way.

Johnnie Walker sponsors World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren Mercedes team at an estimated cost of £15 million a year for five years. The closure plan for Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock says it would save around £20 million a year.

World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s helmet bears the Johnnie Walker Striding Man image and Hamilton recently visited the Kilmarnock plant.

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey said:

"Johnnie Walker Red Label has been Diageo's "formula 1" world best selling product for many years now.

“The German Grand Prix may be a long way from the streets of Kilmarnock but for £15 million of Diageo’s money the Johnnie Walker striding man will speed around the track this afternoon on Lewis Hamilton’s helmet.

“The last week has seen a tremendous outpouring of support for workers in Kilmarnock and Glasgow from the local communities, trade unions and around the world.

“The online petition has nearly 8,000 signatures, at last count around 2,000 have signed the petition in Kilmarnock and it has now spread across Ayrshire. In addition the Facebook campaign to save Johnnie Walker has over 3,000 members. [for up to date figures please check links below]

“This weekend as Johnnie Walker is advertised to the world it’s the turn of Formula One fans to show their support as Johnnie Walker workers support them and their team.

“I am calling on all Formula One fans, as they settle down to watch the Grand Prix to take 2 minutes, to go online to sign the petition and ask a friend to do so too.

“£15 million of sponsorship sees the Johnnie Walker brand go from it’s origins in Kilmarnock to be drunk around the world. With Diageo determined to close Kilmarnock it is up to the public and the fans to help change their minds.

"The truth is that history and tradition actually start in real places with real people. The Johnnie Walker story started in Kilmarnock in 1820. Formula One fans and Johnnie Walker drinkers can help keep them together.”