Unilever will cut up to 3,200 jobs in Europe; Effect on the Netherlands is unknown

Unilever plans to scrap a third of all office positions in Europe, a move which will eliminate up to 3,200 jobs. A Unilever representative confirmed this on Friday after the Financial Times initially reported it. The company employs around 10,000 to 11,000 office employees in Europe, with 2,300 office jobs located in the Netherlands at its workplaces in Rotterdam and Wageningen.

The reorganization announced by Unilever earlier this year will, therefore, significantly impact the European part of the company. “We cannot say anything specifically about the impact this will have on the Netherlands.”

The care product and food manufacturer announced in March that it was going to cut 7,500 jobs worldwide for cost-saving purposes. At the time, it was not known from where exactly the jobs would be disappearing.

It is still unclear where in Europe the job cuts will have the most impact. The multinational has yet to determine that. “In the coming weeks, the discussions will start with employees who may be affected by the proposed changes,” said the spokesperson.

“We are aware of the large unrest that this brings to people. We are doing everything to support everybody during these changes while we continue the consultation process.”

Unilever employs around 128,000 people worldwide, including many factory employees.