Royal Mail to cut up to 2,500 jobs by end of 2027

Royal Mail has announced plans to cut up to 2,500 head office and support function roles by the end of 2027, as part of a transformation programme the company described on Wednesday as its biggest in generations.

The cuts represent less than 2% of its workforce of more than 131,000 people, Reuters reported.

The company said it was undergoing a “significant transformation” as it implements universal service reform and adapts to a rapidly changing market. Letter volumes have declined by more than 70 per cent since their peak, while demand for faster parcel delivery continues to grow, The Times reported.

Chief executive Alistair Cochrane said: “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 announcement follows price rises introduced earlier this week across Standard, Tracked, Special Delivery and Signed For services, The Sun reported. Cochrane has previously apologised for the company’s performance, saying it had “not been good enough”.

Sources: Reuters, The Times, The Sun.