Consumer goods giant Unilever has announced plans to sack about 7,500 workers globally as part of an overhaul aimed at saving 684 million euros ($869 million) over the next three years.

The Marmite-to-Dove soap firm said the jobs affected were largely office-based and the move came as it looked to invest in technology to boost productivity and save money.

The group said staff would be consulted about the cuts but did not reveal where they will be made.

The cut jobs were expected to go over the next two years, according to dpa.

Unilever has 128,000 employees globally, with 6,000 in Britain.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Hein Schumacher, said: “Under the growth action plan we have committed to do fewer things better, and with greater impact.

Unilever ends Sunlight, Omo, Lux’s production to sustain business

“The changes we are announcing today will help us accelerate that plan.

“We are committed to carrying out our productivity programme in consultation with employee representatives, and with respect and care for those of our people who are impacted.”

Unilever Plc is a British multinational consumer goods company founded on September 2, 1929, following the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie.

It is headquartered in London.

Unilever products include baby food, beauty products, bottled water, breakfast cereals, cleaning agents, condiments, energy drinks, healthcare and hygiene products, ice cream, instant coffee, pet food, pharmaceuticals, soft drinks, tea, and toothpaste.

The company is the largest producer of soap in the world and its products are available in over 190 countries, according to Wikipedia.

Unilever’s largest brands include Axe (Lynx), Ben & Jerry’s, Dove, Hellmann’s, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Lux, Magnum, Omo (Persil), Rexona, Sunlight, Sunsilk, and Wall’s (Heartbrand).

The Star