Difficult economic conditions and persistently weak demand for many products have forced companies across Europe to freeze hiring or cut jobs.

Here are some of the layoffs announced since the beginning of 2025:

CAR AND CAR PARTS MAKERS

* Continental CON: The German tyre maker’s automotive branch decided on February 18 to cut 3,000 jobs in its research and development segment by the end of 2026.

INDUSTRIALS AND ENGINEERING

* THYSSENKRUPP TKA: The German conglomerate plans to cut around 1,800 jobs due to the prolonged weakness in the car sector it supplies, it said on March 6.

RETAIL AND CONSUMER GOODS

* Tesco TSCO: Britain’s biggest supermarket group plans to cut about 400 jobs from stores and its head office, seeking efficiency savings so it can invest in the business, it said on January 29.

* Sainsbury’s SBRY the British supermarket group proposed on January 23 to reduce its headcount by over 3,000 roles as it seeks savings to counter a “particularly challenging cost environment”.

OTHERS

* AKZONOBEL AKZA: The Dutch paints maker expects to cut around 2,200 jobs and to close at least five more sites in 2025 as part of its restructuring efforts, said on January 29.

* Arkema AKE: French speciality chemicals group plans to cut 154 positions at its Jarrie site after deciding to halt some of its production there, it said on January 21.

* BP BP.: The British oil and gas company will cut around 4,700 staff, over 5% of its total workforce, as part of CEO Murray Auchincloss’ efforts to reduce costs, it said on January 16.

* Commerzbank CBK The German bank said on February 13 it would cut 3,900 mostly local jobs by 2028. The job cuts are expected to take place by 2028.

* DHL DHL: The German logistics group announced on March 6 plans to cut about 8,000 jobs in Germany to save more than 1 billion euros.

* Neste NESTE: The Finnish oil refiner and biofuel maker will cut around 600 positions, it said on February 13.

* Tele2 TEL2_A: The Swedish telecoms group said on January 29 it plans to cut more than 600 jobs in 2025 as it seeks to reduce costs and boost profitability.

Source: Regulatory filings, Reuters articles and company websites