MSP Warns of Soft Drink Tax Job Cuts

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A Member of the Scottish Parliament has warned that a new tax on soft drinks could lead to job losses in Scotland.

MSP for Cumbernaud and Kilsyth, Jamie Hepburn, said that a proposed tax on sugary drinks could affect one of Scotland’s most iconic companies, AG Barr. The firm, which is most famous for producing Irn Bru, employs around 500 members of staff and is a sponsor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Hepburn said that a proposal to reduce dental health problems and tackle obesity would be welcome, but it is also important to consider the possible repercussions for companies like AG Barr. Mr Hepburn said that AG Barr was his primary concern and he felt the need to speak up as a duty to his constituents.

More than 60 public health organisations have backed a campaign by the charity, Sustain, to introduce a new tax on sugary drinks to tackle health problems, such as decay, gum disease, diabetes and obesity. The proposals would reduce sugar consumption and subsequently decrease spending on weight-related illnesses and dental health care; Sustain has suggested that the money raised by the tax, which is estimated at around £1 billion per year, should be put towards paying for nutritious meals for school children and educating people about healthy eating and positive lifestyle choices.

In response to the proposals, the director general of the British Soft Drinks Association, Gavin Partington, said that soft drinks were not linked to health problems and added that sugar consumption is falling, yet obesity rates are increasing

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