Jobs threat in Unilever proposals

Proposals would see the closure of factories in Swansea and Slough and a distribution site in Bridgend, while an office Ewloe, North Wales would also close and work be transferred.

The changes could lead to 500 direct job losses and around 300 contractor and third party posts, while some jobs will also be outsourced to Unilever's IT centre in Bangalore, India. Reviews of the proposals are expected to be concluded in the autumn, with a final decision taken in September.

Jennie Formby, national officer of Unite, said: "Unilever's announcement is a long and complex one and we will be assessing the long-term impact for our members over the next few days. This is a devastating blow to the workforces involved and the local economies."

Unilever said it planned to invest ?40 million in its "historic home" of Port Sunlight, Wirral on Merseyside, with the creation of 150 new jobs. Work would transfer from Ewloe to Port Sunlight, where the workforce would increase from the current 1,500 to 2,000.

Amanda Sourry, chairman of Unilever UK and Ireland, said economic conditions in Europe were "very tough". She added: "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. The proposals announced today will be reviewed thoroughly and the outcome shared with our employees as early as possible."

The company said its plans would "transform" Port Sunlight into a "significant centre of excellence" for the manufacture of shampoo and shower gel products, with growth potential for the next decade.

Around 225 jobs will be lost through the closure of the Swansea factory, which makes personal care products, around 250 at Slough, Berks which makes products including Radox, and 25 at the distribution site in Bridgend.

Unilever has a workforce of around 7,200 and makes products ranging from Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Marmite, PG Tips and Pot Noodles to Dove soap, Vaseline, Persil and Domestos.

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