Unilever plans to slash a third of its office-based roles in Europe by the end of 2025 as part of a broader effort to revive growth at the consumer goods giant.
The company told senior executives that as many as 3,200 positions would be eliminated in the region, according to details of a company-wide call.
The cuts are part of a productivity programme Unilever announced in March that will result in up to 7,500 job losses globally.
“We are now, over the next few weeks, starting the consultation process with employees who may be impacted by the proposed changes,” a Unilever spokesperson said in an email.
The spokesperson continued: “We recognise the significant anxiety that these proposals are causing amongst our people. We are committed to supporting everyone through these changes, as we go through the consultation process.”
The sweeping restructuring marks the biggest round of job cuts at Unilever in decades.
The changes come as Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher, who took over last year, works to revitalise the business after a period of underperformance.
In March, Unilever announced plans to spin off its ice cream division, home to brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, as part of an effort to streamline operations.
Unilever employs around 128,000 people globally. Its European operations, which include major offices in London and Rotterdam, account for a significant portion of the group’s workforce.
The company will now enter a consultation process with those affected as it seeks to reshape the business for the future.