Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Nestlé CEO loses job after ‘romantic relationship’ with staff member
Nestlé has dismissed its chief executive after a “romantic relationship with a direct subordinate”.
The Swiss consumer goods company said the departure of Laurent Freixe followed an investigation overseen by Paul Bulcke, chairman, and Pablo Isla, the lead independent director, into a undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate that breached the company’s code of business conduct. Philipp Navratil has been appointed as his successor.
“This was a necessary decision,” Bulcke said. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.”
Read the full story in The Times.
Scotland's drug deaths expected to remain worst in Europe
Figures to be published on Tuesday are expected to show that Scotland remains the drugs death capital of Europe for the seventh year in a row.
In 2023, there were 1,172 drug misuse deaths in Scotland, bringing the total in a decade to 10,481, according to official figures.
Although experts expect that number to have dropped slightly for 2024, they are warning that any fall will almost certainly be a blip.
Read more here.
Police urged to improve 'poor quality' uniforms
Police Scotland has been urged to improve the uniforms worn by officers after a review found several kit items were ill-fitting and of poor quality.
A review by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) found trousers worn by officers were insufficiently stretchy and faded in colour, while fleeces were too thin.
It also found that jackets, which stopped before the waist, were too short and body armour was too bulky for wearing comfortably while in vehicles.
Read the full story on the BBC site.
Come on you reds! Squirrels make a comeback in Aberdeen
Red squirrels have returned to the heart of Aberdeen, marking a triumph in the campaign to restore their fortunes.
The destruction of forests and the introduction by the Victorians of the more aggressive American grey squirrel put the smaller native species under pressure.
They were driven back to remote parts of Scotland and Wales as well as isolated outposts in England such as the Isle of Wight.
Read the full story in The Times.