Sensodyne maker planning widespread layoffs to cut cost

Sensodyne maker is planning widespread layoffs in the UK and around the world as a part of cost-cutting plans a year after being spun off from Britain’s second-biggest drugmaker GSK.

Haleon, which has 24,000 staff across 170 countries, intends to cut hundreds of roles in the UK and potentially thousands worldwide, The Guardian reported on Thursday (13).

In the UK the firm employs 1,700 people, spread across its global headquarters and its research and development labs in Weybridge in Surrey, and a manufacturing site in Maidenhead. The company is one of the world’s biggest consumer healthcare groups and sells over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and oral care products.

According to the report, staff were briefed on the redundancies earlier this week in a series of meetings, and a consultation process. Some people will be offered other roles in the company and those who are laid off are expected to leave Haleon from September.

The job cuts are part of a broader cost-cutting programme aimed at saving £300 million in the next three years.

“We’ve announced internally a number of changes across our global business this week, as we continue to evolve Haleon into a more agile organisation. As we shared in March, this is part of a broader three-year programme that will help drive increased productivity across the business, ensuring that Haleon continues to deliver for consumers over the long term,” a spokesperson said.

“Any decisions that involve colleagues are not taken lightly, and as we enter a process of consultation in relevant markets, we are fully committed to supporting colleagues that may be impacted.”

It was reported last week that Haleon is exploring a potential divestment of some smoking cessation products, including the Nicotinell brand of nicotine gum, patches and lozenges. Under Chief Executive Officer Brian McNamara, reports stated that Haleon has been looking to streamline its portfolio and focus on core products. The company was also exploring divesting of its ChapStick lip balm brand.