Dual-listed FMCG giant Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) plans to cut a third off its office-based workforce in Europe, according to a Financial Times report.
Up to 3,200 team members will lose their jobs under the reported restructuring, which forms part of what Unilever has dubbed a “productivity programme”.
FT reported that employees expressed outrage at the plans in a video call.
“I am honestly so disappointed if that is the view for employees — how is that acceptable?” said one.
“Complete failure to read the room and shows zero awareness of how people feel on the ground,” wrote another.
One year into his role, Hein Schumacher has been at pains to get the Unilever ship back on course following a period of stagnation.
As part of a turnaround plan, Unilever revealed a scooping out of its ice cream division in March.
“Ice cream has a very different operating model, and as a result the board has decided that the separation of ice cream best serves the future growth of both ice cream and Unilever,” the British multinational said at the time.
Shares were up 0.6% in late-Friday exchanges.