New analysis from GMB today shows the spirit industry in Scotland employs 9,000 people directly – and a further 14,700 jobs supply chain jobs across the UK.
The figures also show Scotch whisky exports were worth £4.7 billion in 2018 and average earnings in the spirits industry are 19 per cent higher than the average for manufacturing in general.
A 25% tariff was imposed on imports of US whiskey into the EU in June 2018, in response to US tariffs on European steel and aluminium.
Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland Organiser, said:
“The Conservative Government has repeatedly ignored GMB warnings and left the Scottish whisky industry exposed to attacks from the US.
“These tariffs constitute a direct threat to the Scottish economy and to more than 20,000 jobs across the UK.”
