UK vote to remain in EU best for both parties: Unilever

Johannesburg - A British vote to remain in the European Union (EU)would be in the best interests of both the country and the continent, supporting economic growth and employment, according to Unilever chief executive officer Paul Polman.

“It’s better that the UK stays in the EU,” Polman said in an interview in Johannesburg on Tuesday. EU membership benefits the UK economy and creates jobs, the head of the consumer-goods company said.

Britain’s referendum on European Union membership is too close to call two days before the vote, with separate polls showing leads for both sides. Governments and investors around the world are watching the referendum amid concern that a so-called Brexit would spark turmoil across global markets.

Unilever, based in London, makes soaps and detergents that are used by 2 billion consumers daily. Europe needs a “strong trading zone” to compete with regions such as Africa and the Americas, Polman said.