Unilever announces 7,500 jobs will be impacted as part of overhaul to save £684million

Unilever is the maker of Ben and Jerry’s

Unilever has said 7,500 jobs will be impacted across its company worldwide as part of plans to save around 800 million euros (£684million) over the next three years.

The consumer goods giant also announced it will split off its ice cream business, which includes major household favourites Ben and Jerry’s, Cornetto and Magnum. Unilever also owns Marmite and Hellmann’s, plus beauty and cleaning brands such as Dove, Domestos and Cif.

The company employs 128,000 people globally, with 6,000 in the UK. Unilever has not revealed which jobs will be affected, or in which location, but roles are expected to go over the next two years.

Ian Meakins, Chair of Unilever said: “The board is determined to transform Unilever into a higher-growth, higher-margin business that will deliver consistently for all stakeholders. Improving our performance and sharpening our portfolio are key to delivering the improved results we believe Unilever can achieve.

“The separation of ice cream and the delivery of the productivity programme will help create a simpler, more focused, and higher performing Unilever. It will also create a world-leading ice cream business, with strong growth prospects and an exciting future as a standalone business.”

Chief executive Hein Schumacher 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.”