Royal Mail to cut 2,500 jobs by the end of next year

Popular British postal service and courier company, Royal Mail, has announced plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs by the end of 2027 as part of an organisational review. 

The expected job losses will come at Royal Mail's head office on Farringdon Road, London, and within support function roles by the end of 2027.

Around 131,000 people are employed by the firm in total.

A statement said of the proposed job losses: "This is subject to consultation, and we anticipate the changes would be achieved through natural attrition and a voluntary redundancy programme, with no compulsory redundancies.

"There would be no reductions in operational frontline roles in delivery and processing, including posties and drivers."

The company said it was undergoing a "significant transformation" as the business implements universal service reform and adapts to a rapidly-changing market that has seen letter volumes decline sharply and parcel demand surge.

Its chief executive, Alistair Cochrane, said: "We have been working hard to reduce costs and simplify processes across all areas of the business as we transform to win in a very competitive market.

"These proposed changes remove duplication and allow us to invest further in the service we deliver for our customers.

"We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully throughout this process, working closely with our trade unions.

"The proposed changes will not be easy, but they are an important part of building a stronger, simpler and future-ready Royal Mail for our customers and colleagues."

The announcement comes as regulator Ofcom investigates the company over its failure to meet crucial delivery targets over the past year.