Unilever, the multinational corporation behind beloved brands such as Marmite and Dove soap, has revealed plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 7,500 positions worldwide as part of a comprehensive three-year cost-saving initiative.
In addition to the job cuts, Unilever announced its intention to spin off its lucrative ice cream business, encompassing iconic brands such as Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and Magnum. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance focus on core competencies.
The company stated that the spin-off process will commence immediately and is anticipated to be finalized by the conclusion of 2025.
Unilever emphasized that these restructuring efforts are designed to enable the organization to excel in its key areas of operation, asserting a commitment to “doing fewer things better.”
The job reductions, predominantly impacting administrative roles, constitute over 5% of Unilever’s global workforce of 128,000 employees, with an anticipated cost-saving of approximately €800 million (£684 million) over the next three years.
In the United Kingdom alone, Unilever employs 6,000 individuals, overseeing the production of ice cream in north-east Gloucestershire, as well as the manufacturing of Marmite, Bovril, and Pot Noodles in Burton-on-Trent and Newport respectively.
Despite generating €7.9 million (£6.75 million) in sales last year, Unilever noted that the ice cream division operates differently from its other consumer product lines due to its reliance on a frozen goods supply chain and seasonal demand.
Ian Meakins, chairman of Unilever, expressed optimism about the separation of the ice cream business, foreseeing enhanced performance and growth opportunities. He affirmed, “The separation of ice cream and the delivery of the productivity program will help create a simpler, more focused, and higher performing Unilever.”
In addition to the job cuts, Unilever announced its intention to spin off its lucrative ice cream business, encompassing iconic brands such as Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, and Magnum. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance focus on core competencies.
The company stated that the spin-off process will commence immediately and is anticipated to be finalized by the conclusion of 2025.
Unilever emphasized that these restructuring efforts are designed to enable the organization to excel in its key areas of operation, asserting a commitment to “doing fewer things better.”
The job reductions, predominantly impacting administrative roles, constitute over 5% of Unilever’s global workforce of 128,000 employees, with an anticipated cost-saving of approximately €800 million (£684 million) over the next three years.
In the United Kingdom alone, Unilever employs 6,000 individuals, overseeing the production of ice cream in north-east Gloucestershire, as well as the manufacturing of Marmite, Bovril, and Pot Noodles in Burton-on-Trent and Newport respectively.
Despite generating €7.9 million (£6.75 million) in sales last year, Unilever noted that the ice cream division operates differently from its other consumer product lines due to its reliance on a frozen goods supply chain and seasonal demand.
Ian Meakins, chairman of Unilever, expressed optimism about the separation of the ice cream business, foreseeing enhanced performance and growth opportunities. He affirmed, “The separation of ice cream and the delivery of the productivity program will help create a simpler, more focused, and higher performing Unilever.”
