British consumer goods giant Unilever is set to cut 3,200 office jobs in Europe by late 2025 as part of a restructuring plan announced in March, a source close to the matter told AFP Friday.
The job cuts will account for about one third of Unilever’s office-based positions on the continent, according to the source who confirmed a report by the Financial Times.
Earlier this year, Unilever had disclosed its plans to establish a separate ice cream company as a cost-saving measure, resulting in a total reduction of 7,500 mostly office jobs worldwide.
The company, with approximately 128,000 employees globally, aims to save 800 million euros ($870 million) over the next three years.
“In March, we introduced a comprehensive productivity program to enhance focus and growth through a more streamlined and accountable organization,” a Unilever spokesperson mentioned in a statement sent to AFP on Friday.
“We are now initiating the consultation process with employees who may be affected by the proposed changes over the next few weeks.”
Though the exact locations of the job cuts have not been finalized, London and Rotterdam are expected to be impacted, as reported by the FT business newspaper.
“We acknowledge the significant concerns that these proposals are generating among our employees,” the Unilever spokesperson added.
“We are dedicated to providing support to everyone throughout these alterations as we proceed with the consultation process.”
In the previous year, Unilever observed a 15% decrease in net profit to 6.5 billion euros, with sales remaining flat after price adjustments in response to increased costs.
The company’s product range includes Cif surface cleaner, Dove soap, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and Hellmann’s mayonnaise.
