Unilever to cut 500 jobs in Britain

DHAKA: The Anglo-Dutch food and cosmetics giant Unilever said Thursday it planned to cut 500 jobs in Britain as part of a restructuring programme that would also see posts outsourced to India.

`In total, the proposed changes could result in a net reduction of around 500 Unilever roles in the UK There would also be potentially the loss of around 300 associated contractor and third party roles`, it said in a statement.

The changes would occur by the end of 2013, added the company whose brands include Lipton tea, Persil washing powder and Signal toothpaste.

The jobs would go at a number of sites, which would also close, while the group said it would invest £40 million in its biggest British factory in northwest England.

Unilever said that while the investment would create around 150 jobs, it would also result in `a number of other roles moving to Unilever`s IT centre in Bangalore, India.`

Unilever has operations in more than 100 countries, employing over 171,000 workers.

`Like many companies today, Unilever faces the challenge of creating growth opportunities against a backdrop of very tough economic conditions in Europe`, said Amanda Sourry, chairman of Unilever`s Britain and Ireland operations.

`While Unilever is growing well in the UK and globally, it will always be necessary to make changes which 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 in the group statement, reports daily Hurriyet.

BDST: 2152 HRS, JUN 14, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor