Coronavirus: Scotland's largest whisky maker pledges £1m for bar workers on St Patrick's Day

Diageo, Scotland’s largest whisky producer, has announced a support package designed to help workers in the British drinks trade as it faces unprecedented challenges from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

Diageo, Scotland's biggest whisky maker, owns Johnnie Walker and Guinness

Unveiling the suite of measures on St Patrick’s Day, Guinness-owner Diageo pledged £1 million to support bartenders in the free trade across Great Britain.

The drinks giant – which also owns Johnnie Walker – claimed “thousands of bartenders will be able to benefit” from the fund, intended for pubs and bars to contribute towards staff wages.

The group said a similar community fund is being set up in Ireland.

Those working in the drinks trade will also be given the opportunity to attend a complimentary Diageo Bar Academy Training Course, consisting of virtual training and online learning.

Pubs and bars wanting to access the fund should apply with Diageo online from Monday 23 March.

Dayalan Nayager, managing director of Great Britain, Ireland and France at Diageo, said: “The British drinks trade is facing one of its most challenging times ever and we want to help our communities when they need us most.

“We all need to come together to support the trade and I would urge all my fellow drinks producers to do what they can to help our British pubs, bars and retailers and restaurants over the next few months.”

It comes on the same day as Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin criticised the UK government’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and encouraged officials to follow the example set by the Netherlands.