British American Tobacco (BAT) is looking to restructure its business in South Africa which could have an effect on around 200 jobs, reports Reuters.
A further decline in BAT’s cigarette sales in South Africa has led to the tobacco giant considering a restructure of its business in the country that might well affect up to 200 jobs. The decline in sales is thought to be down to the growth of the illicit market which was helped along by the ban on cigarette sales during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The 2020 tobacco sales ban resulted in an explosion of growth for the illicit market. This has continued even after the ban on tobacco sales was lifted,” the company said in a statement.
Though BAT has not given details on how it would restructure its business or which jobs might be cut, the company has begun a consultation process with staff and “it is expected that around 200 company jobs may be affected by the proposed restructure,” the company said, according to Reuters.