British health and food giant Unilever plans to cut around 3,200 jobs in Europe by the end of next year as part of a plan to cut a total of 7,500 jobs announced in March, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP on Monday.
“Over the next few weeks, we will begin the consultation process with employees who may be affected by the proposed changes,” a Unilever spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP.
Under the plan, around 3,200 jobs will be cut in Europe by the end of 2025, or a third of office jobs on the continent, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP, confirming information from the Financial Times.
Which company facilities and countries the cuts will take place in has not yet been officially decided, but it is expected to involve mainly facilities in London and Rotterdam, according to information from the Financial Times.
“We are aware of the great concern these proposals are causing” among employees and we are “committed to supporting” the affected workers, the company spokesperson added.
Focus on your 30 best-known brands
Unilever saw its net profit fall 15% last year, but reported a slight increase in turnover in the first quarter.
Under pressure to improve the group’s performance, notably from US investor and billionaire Nelson Peltz, who has been on the board since 2022, chief executive Henn Schumacher unveiled a strategic plan last October.
Thus, the aim is to improve the group’s performance focusing on the 30 best-known brands, which represent 70% of the company’s revenue.
In March, Schumacher announced that the group It was to get out of the ice cream business (which includes Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum) and launch a savings plan to increase its margins, foreseeing cuts of 7,500 jobs, or almost 6% of its workforce.
Source: AMPE