Nestlé's global workforce reduction of 16,000 jobs will also impact South African workers.
Image: AFP
As Nestlé prepares to cut 16,000 jobs across the world, workers in South Africa have not been spared, with reports that about 400 workers are expected to receive retrenchment notices.
In a statement last October, the Swiss giant's chief executive Philipp Navratil said: “The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster. This will include making hard but necessary decisions to reduce headcount over the next two years.”
Announcing its financial results for 2025, a week ago, Nestlé provided an update on the job cuts.
“In Q4 2025, we announced an acceleration of planned global headcount reductions to c. 16,000 by the end of 2027. This includes c. 12,000 white-collar professionals, driving an increased target for annual operational efficiency savings of 1.0 billion (Swiss francs) by the end of 2027.
“We are executing with urgency on this program, with 20% of the targeted savings already achieved, ahead of plan. In conjunction with our procurement savings program, we are on track to deliver total Fuel for Growth cost savings of 3.0 billion (Swiss francs) by the end of 2027,” the statement said.
According to a report from Moneyweb on Friday, retrenchment notices were beginning to be issued to the affected 400 workers in South Africa.
South African labour unions have yet to comment on the matter.
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