By the end of 2025, Unilever intends to eliminate one-third of its office-based positions in Europe, the massive consumer products company has said. It follows its announcement in March of cost-cutting measures that will impact around 7,500 positions worldwide.
The company said that it will start consulting with people impacted by job losses in Europe, where 3,200 positions are being eliminated.
In a statement, it stated, "We acknowledge the significant anxiety that these proposals are causing among our people."
The adjustments are a part of the company's attempts to resurrect growth under CEO Hein Schumacher, who took over the role last year following a period of poor performance.
It was not immediately apparent whose positions will be cut.
Major Unilever offices are located in Rotterdam and London. The firm operated both locations for many years until choosing in 2020 to unify its legal structure in the UK. It stated at the time that personnel would not be impacted.
In a message to employees, Hermann Soggeberg, the director of Unilever's European Works Council, stated, "These measures mean the biggest job cuts in Unilever for decades."
"We announced the launch of a comprehensive productivity programme in March, to drive focus and growth through a leaner and more accountable organisation," a Unilever spokeswoman stated.
A decision to separate its ice cream division, which is home to the Wall's, Ben & Jerry's, and Magnum brands, was also part of those plans. According to Unilever, the reorganisation would enable it to "do fewer things better".
The firm employs 6,000 people and makes ice cream in northeastern Gloucestershire, Marmite and Bovril in Burton-on-Trent, and Pot Noodles in Newport, all in the UK.
Oberon Investments portfolio manager Jack Martin stated, "From a shareholder's point of view, a turnaround was clearly required at an underperforming business."
Among its many brands include Lynx body spray, Persil washing up power, and the Dove cosmetics brand. Unilever is among the world's biggest consumer products firms.
After being notified by the UK's Environment Agency that soapy water had been "incorrectly diverted" from its soap powder facility into an already-polluted river, Unilever issued an apology in May.
(Source:www.ft.com)
The company said that it will start consulting with people impacted by job losses in Europe, where 3,200 positions are being eliminated.
In a statement, it stated, "We acknowledge the significant anxiety that these proposals are causing among our people."
The adjustments are a part of the company's attempts to resurrect growth under CEO Hein Schumacher, who took over the role last year following a period of poor performance.
It was not immediately apparent whose positions will be cut.
Major Unilever offices are located in Rotterdam and London. The firm operated both locations for many years until choosing in 2020 to unify its legal structure in the UK. It stated at the time that personnel would not be impacted.
In a message to employees, Hermann Soggeberg, the director of Unilever's European Works Council, stated, "These measures mean the biggest job cuts in Unilever for decades."
"We announced the launch of a comprehensive productivity programme in March, to drive focus and growth through a leaner and more accountable organisation," a Unilever spokeswoman stated.
A decision to separate its ice cream division, which is home to the Wall's, Ben & Jerry's, and Magnum brands, was also part of those plans. According to Unilever, the reorganisation would enable it to "do fewer things better".
The firm employs 6,000 people and makes ice cream in northeastern Gloucestershire, Marmite and Bovril in Burton-on-Trent, and Pot Noodles in Newport, all in the UK.
Oberon Investments portfolio manager Jack Martin stated, "From a shareholder's point of view, a turnaround was clearly required at an underperforming business."
Among its many brands include Lynx body spray, Persil washing up power, and the Dove cosmetics brand. Unilever is among the world's biggest consumer products firms.
After being notified by the UK's Environment Agency that soapy water had been "incorrectly diverted" from its soap powder facility into an already-polluted river, Unilever issued an apology in May.
(Source:www.ft.com)
