Unilever to close four UK sites; axe 800 jobs
15 Jun 2012
Anglo–Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever yesterday announced plans to close four sites in the UK, which will result in the loss of 800 jobs – some jobs will be outsourced to its IT centre in Bangalore.
The London and Rotterdam-based company said the restructuring would result in a net reduction of around 500 jobs in the UK and around 300 jobs at associated contractor and third party jobs.
Unilever, which makes products, including Lipton tea, Signal toothpaste and Dove shampoo, has a workforce of around 7,200 in the UK.
The dual-listed company will close the former Alberto Culver manufacturing and distribution sites in Swansea and Bridgend, and the former Sara Lee factory in Slough, which makes Radox and other bath and shower products.
The restructuring would also involve relocating some 400 high capability roles from Unilever's Ewloe IT site, 15 miles from Port Sunlight with a number of other jobs being outsourced to Unilever's IT centre in Bangalore.
Amanda Sourry, chairman of Unilever UK and Ireland, said, "Like many companies today, Unilever faces the challenge of creating growth opportunities against a backdrop of very tough economic conditions in Europe.''