By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- BAT plans to cut 51 jobs at its Groot-Bijgaarden site in Belgium, disclosed in a special works council meeting.
- RetailDetail reported BAT Belgium aims to eliminate 51 of 87 roles.
- The consultation process required under Belgian labor practice is expected to follow, with potential social plan negotiations.
British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced plans to cut 51 jobs at its Groot-Bijgaarden site in Belgium, citing tougher market conditions tied to tighter tobacco regulation and higher excise duties.
BAT disclosed the planned cuts during a special works council meeting, a standard step in Belgium when major workforce changes are proposed, allowing unions and employee representatives to receive information directly from management.
According to local reporting, the Groot-Bijgaarden location is a key commercial hub for BAT in Belgium, handling functions including supply chain, finance, marketing, IT, and HR.
Trade outlet RetailDetail reported that BAT Belgium intends to eliminate 51 of its 87 jobs, framing the move as a response to cost pressures in a heavily regulated and shrinking cigarette market.
Reporting said that Belgian labor law requires a consultation period following such announcements, during which social plans may be negotiated to mitigate the impact on affected staff.
The announcement comes as tobacco companies face increasingly restrictive measures across Europe — including tighter marketing rules, packaging requirements, and public-use restrictions — along with repeated excise duty increases in Belgium and neighboring markets.
