Unilever is to slash 500 jobs in the UK.
The fmcg giant is to close its former Alberto Culver manufacturing and distribution sites in Swansea and Bridgend, as well as the former Sara Lee factory in Slough, by the end of next year.
It also plans to relocate 400 roles from its IT site at Ewloe, with a number of other roles moving to its IT centre in Bangalore, India. An additional 300 contractor and third-party roles could also be affected.
“Like many companies today, Unilever faces the challenge of creating growth opportunities against a backdrop of very tough economic conditions in Europe,” said UK & Ireland chairman Amanda Sourry.
“While Unilever is growing well in the UK and globally, it will always be necessary to make changes to raise our game and ensure our continued success. We believe these proposals would substantially strengthen our platform for long-term growth and competitiveness.”
She added: “We understand this period of uncertainty will cause concern for some of our employees who would be affected if changes were to be made, so we are fully committed to conducting all review and consultation processes properly and responsibly in order to provide clarity and certainty as soon as possible.”
Unilever said it would invest £40m in its Port Sunlight site to make it “an unrivalled multi-functional hub within the Unilever organisation”. The feasibility of its plans will be reviewed over the next three months.
Earlier this year Unilever was hit by strike action after workers protested against changes to the comapny’s pension plan (pictured).
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