Heineken to cut 8,000 jobs due to pandemic

In the US 900,000 apply for unemployment benefits 0:59

(CNN) -

Heineken announced that it will lay off 8,000 employees, as it seeks to grow again after a year in which the pandemic hit sales.

The Moretti and Amstel brewer said in a statement Wednesday that it will cut nearly 10% of its global workforce and seek savings of 2 billion euros ($ 2.4 billion) over two years as part of an "organizational redesign" to improve. efficiency.

• Nearly 4 million US jobs have disappeared forever

"The impact of the pandemic on our business was amplified by our commercial and geographic exposure," said Chief Executive Dolf van den Brink, who took office in June last year.

Heineken estimates that at the end of January less than 30% of commercial establishments [pubs, bars and restaurants] were operating in Europe, which is its largest market.

Many countries in the region reimposed lockdowns in December and have since tightened restrictions.

Heineken said it has erased 191 million euros ($ 231.6 million) related to various UK pubs.

• Unemployment soars in Latin America as a result of the coronavirus

The brewery's revenue fell 16.7% in 2020 compared to the previous year amid restaurant and bar closures, as well as other restrictions on social gatherings and alcohol sales.

advertising

Heineken pandemic impact