The brewer, Guinness, part of the UK-based conglomerate, Diageo, is undertaking a major review of its business in Ireland, which is expected to result in job losses. Some reports have suggested that up to 200 administrative jobs could go but Diageo told just-drinks that it was "too soon to say how many jobs might be affected."

The company is looking to reduce overheads following the merger last year of its brewing and distilling divisions in Dublin. The company anticipates that the review will be completed by the end of June.

"Diageo Ireland is currently carrying out a review of its business operational model in Ireland and has advised employees and representative bodies of its approach to this," Diageo said. "This follows on from the restructuring of the company, over 12 months ago with the merger of its beer with its wine and spirits businesses and will take account also of the changed and difficult business environment in which the company is now operating."

04 April, 2003