Unilever is planning to cut more than 3,000 jobs based at its offices across Europe by the end of 2025, according to reports.
The group, whose brands include the likes of Magnum, Dove and Wall’s, is to reduce its headcount by 3,200, according to the Financial Times.
Unilever currently employs around 10,000 people in offices across Europe.
The news comes after Unilever first announced its ‘productivity programme’ in March which included slashing around two thirds of roles globally.
Earlier this year, the company announced that it would scale back its environmental and social pledges to “drive performance in the company”.
The decision to cut jobs is thought to be influenced by the billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz, who acquired a stake in the firm two years ago.
Earlier this year, it struggled to find a buyer big enough for its ice-cream empire – which includes Magnum, Wall’s and Ben & Jerry’s – as it looked to offload the business as part of its turnaround plan.
The exact location of the job cuts is as yet undetermined, but a consultation process will start in the next few weeks with affected employees, Unilever said.
The cuts will apply primarily to office-based roles, and will not include jobs based in factories, according to the FT. The company employs around 128,000 people globally.
Schumacher has been vocal this year about the company’s performance.
In an January announcement, he described the brand’s competitiveness as “disappointing” and said “overall performance” needed to improve.
Shares in Unilever fell nine per cent last year as inflation ate into its profit margins and allegations of greenwashing bruised the company’s reputation.
City AM has approached Unilever for comment.