Unilever has announced a global hiring freeze across all levels for at least three months, citing the economic and geopolitical fallout from the ongoing Iran war, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters.
The memo, sent to employees last week, stated that the freeze is effective immediately. Fabian Garcia, head of Unilever’s personal care division, wrote that macroeconomic realities and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, pose significant challenges in the coming months.
The move reflects broader pressures on companies worldwide, from airlines to retail chains, struggling with disrupted global trade and record-high oil and gas supply interruptions caused by the conflict. Rising energy costs have already slowed production in sectors like chemicals and plastics.
Unilever, headquartered in London, owns some of the world’s leading consumer brands. While most of its goods are produced near their markets, the company relies on energy-intensive raw materials including chemicals, food ingredients, and packaging.
The company confirmed the freeze in a statement, noting that hiring will be paused temporarily due to external instability and that plans will be adjusted as needed. Unilever has already been implementing cost-cutting measures, part of a broader program initiated in 2024 aiming to save around 800 million euros ($916.7 million) over three years, affecting roughly 7,500 mostly office-based roles worldwide.
Currently, Unilever employs about 96,000 staff, down from approximately 149,000 in 2020. The company has faced challenges growing sales across all business sectors following the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 20, Unilever announced talks to sell its food division to smaller rival McCormick & Company, with Reuters reporting last week that British shareholders are expected to retain a majority stake in the merged entity.
Shares of Unilever rose 1.1 percent in London trading on Monday.
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