Unilever, the consumer goods firm behind brands including Marmite and Domestos, has revealed plans to cut 7.500 jobs across its global operations.
The UK-based firm, which employs around 128,000 staff, said the proposed losses would come mainly from office roles.
It admitted that the UK, where it has 6,000 workers, would be included in the productivity drive.
Unilever said it would begin consultations with those affected once the roles had been fully identified.
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The company separately announced that it planned to spin off its ice cream business, which includes the Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum and Cornetto brands, by next year.
It told investors Unilever was targeting mid-single digit underlying sales growth and modest margin improvement after the split which, it said, would create a “simpler and more focused company”.
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Unilever said its productivity programme was expected to deliver total cost savings of around €800m (£984m) over the next three years, with total restructuring costs anticipated to be around 1.2% of its turnover during the period.
Hein Schumacher, the company’s chief executive, said: “Under the Growth Action Plan we have committed to do fewer things, better, and with greater impact.
“The changes we are announcing today will help us accelerate that plan, focusing our business and our resources on global or scalable brands where we can apply our leading innovation, technology and go-to-market capabilities across complementary operating models.
“Simplifying our portfolio and driving greater productivity will allow us to further unlock the potential of this business, supporting our ambition to position Unilever as a world-leading consumer goods company delivering strong, sustainable growth and enhanced profitability.
“We are committed to carrying out our productivity programme in consultation with employee representatives, and with respect and care for those of our people who are impacted.”
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