Unilever, one of the largest distributors of consumer goods such as Dove, and BEn & Jerry’s, Lipton, Knorr, etc., has announced plans to eliminate a third of its office-based roles in Europe by the end of 2025, part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at revitalizing the struggling consumer goods giant under new CEO Hein Schumacher.
The FTSE 100 company disclosed during a company-wide call that approximately 3,200 positions will be slashed across its European offices, out of a total office-based workforce of 10,000 to 11,000. This move forms part of Unilever’s productivity program, first outlined in March, which seeks to reduce global headcount by up to 7,500 roles.
Constantina Tribou, Unilever’s chief human resources officer, explained that the cuts will predominantly affect office roles and exclude positions in manufacturing facilities. The exact distribution of job losses across Europe, including key corporate hubs in London and Rotterdam, is yet to be finalized pending consultations with affected employees.
The announcement has sparked significant discontent among staff, evident in a live comments session where executives faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Employees voiced frustration over the perceived lack of empathy and understanding amidst the uncertainty caused by the impending layoffs.
Unilever, known for brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Dove, has been pressured by shareholders, including activist investor Nelson Peltz, to streamline operations and bolster profitability. In addition to the job cuts, the company previously announced plans to spin off its underperforming ice cream division in a bid to refocus on faster-growing sectors like beauty and wellbeing.
The restructuring marks one of Unilever’s largest overhauls in recent years, prompting assurances from management about supporting affected employees through the consultation process despite the widespread anxiety within the workforce.