Unilever Plc, a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Britain, has unveiled its strategy to reduce approximately 7,500 positions across the globe.
This initiative forms part of a comprehensive overhaul designed to generate savings of approximately $869 million (£684 million) over the course of the next three years.
Unilever declared in a statement released on Tuesday that the restructuring would predominantly affect office-based roles.
The company stated that this decision aligns with its strategy to invest in technology, aiming to enhance productivity and achieve cost savings.
Unilever indicated that it would engage in consultations with its staff regarding the impending job cuts, which are scheduled to take place over the next two years.
Hein Schumacher, the chief executive officer of Unilever, commented on the changes, stating that they would facilitate the acceleration of the company’s growth action plan.
“Under the growth action plan, we have committed to do fewer things better, and with greater impact,” Schumacher remarked.
“The changes we are announcing today will help us accelerate that plan.”
Schumacher emphasised the firm’s commitment to conducting its productivity program in consultation with employee representatives, ensuring respect and care for those affected by the changes.
Additionally, several companies have also announced massive layoffs, signalling the continuation of a trend that commenced last year over profitability concerns.
As of January 25th, Microsoft announced plans to lay off around 1,900 employees from its gaming workforce, while Google revealed intentions to reduce “hundreds” of employees across its global advertising and sales teams.
This follows earlier layoffs on January 10, where Google let go of “hundreds” more employees across various divisions, including engineering, hardware, and teams working on its voice-operated virtual assistant, Google Assistant.
On January 30, PayPal disclosed its intention to terminate 2,500 employees within the year as part of cost-saving measures.
Additionally, United Parcel Service (UPS) revealed plans to slash approximately 12,000 jobs in a bid to save $1 billion in costs.
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