Royal Mail proposes cutting up to 2,500 support jobs before 2028

Reorganisation focused on headquarters and support functions

Royal Mail has announced an organisational review that could reduce up to 2,500 jobs at its headquarters and in support functions by the end of 2027. The company estimates that the reduction represents less than 2% of a workforce of more than 131,000 people.

The company plans to achieve this reduction through natural departures and a voluntary redundancy programme, and says there will be no compulsory redundancies. It also maintains that the reorganisation will not reduce operational delivery and processing jobs, including those of post workers and drivers. However, the CWU union said that around 200 jobs it represents in administration and revenue protection could be affected.

The plan remains subject to consultations with the unions. Therefore, the figures announced describe a proposal, not a final outcome.

Fewer letters and greater pressure to adapt the business

Royal Mail justifies the review by pointing to the transformation of the postal market: according to the company, letter volumes have fallen by more than 70% from their peak, while demand for faster and more convenient parcel deliveries is growing. The company says that simplifying processes and eliminating duplication would enable it to reduce costs and devote more resources to service.

Chief Executive Alistair Cochrane described the changes as part of building a “stronger, simpler company that is ready for the future”. That is management’s explanation; the unions question whether cutting jobs will solve service problems.

Unions focus on service and jobs

Martin Walsh, CWU deputy general secretary, argued that the announcement reveals a company that demoralises its workforce and fails customers and communities. The union called on the Government to intervene and said the proposed departures would affect its members’ jobs outside the operational functions protected by the company.

For her part, Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said the cuts would not improve service quality and warned that further job losses could occur if the problems facing Royal Mail were not addressed. Unite also pointed to competition from postal operators with platform-based work models.

The criticism comes amid failures to meet delivery targets and regulatory scrutiny in the United Kingdom. For now, the dispute pits the company’s expectation of gaining efficiency against the unions’ concern that the cuts will not correct service shortcomings. The pending consultation will be key to clarifying the scope of the changes and their effect on the jobs represented by the unions.