In the first half of this year, 5,290 workers were informed that their jobs were at risk due to collective redundancies, marking the highest figure for a first semester since 2014, according to data from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Employment.
This surge is largely attributed to collective redundancy plans announced in April by the Cora supermarket chain - which operates seven hypermarkets in Brussels and Wallonia - putting 1,777 jobs in jeopardy there.
Between January and June, 59 companies declared their intention to carry out collective redundancies.
Another significant restructuring involved Balta, a carpet manufacturer, which in June announced the elimination of 529 jobs in Vijfwegen and Sint-Baafs-Vijve in West Flanders.
Other notable announcements include the planned closure of the Olympia dairy in Pajottegem, Flemish Brabant, affecting 168 jobs, and the risk to 158 positions at Novartis Manufacturing in Puurs-Sint-Amands, Antwerp Province.
Additionally, biotechnology firm iTeos Therapeutics in Gosselies, Hainaut Province, expressed its intention to cease operations, endangering 133 jobs, while snack producer Mora announced plans to close its factory in Mol, Antwerp Province, which employs 75 people.
Announcing an intention of collective redundancy initiates the information and consultation process between management and unions. These negotiations may often result in a reduction of the number of actual layoffs.
In the first half of 2014, 7,377 jobs were at risk from collective redundancies. At the time, the figures were also heavily influenced by a major retail chain, as Delhaize announced plans to lay off up to 2,500 employees.
