Reform UK criticises Big Four firms over job cuts and hiring

Reform UK has levelled criticism at Deloitte and KPMG for reducing their British workforces while simultaneously increasing the number of migrant workers they employ. Robert Jenrick, the party’s economic spokesman, made the allegations in a video posted outside Deloitte’s London headquarters. He claimed that Deloitte dismissed 800 UK-based staff members but hired 8,800 foreign workers over the previous five years. Jenrick stated that Deloitte was not acting alone in this regard, alleging that KPMG sponsored 1,100 visas while laying off 900 UK employees.

The accusations come amid a series of workforce reductions at both firms. KPMG disclosed in March that it was cutting more than 400 roles in its audit department and 120 in its advisory section, citing low attrition rates as a factor. Subsequent reports indicated further cuts, including approximately 200 staff in the UK group corporate services division in July and another 200 in the data and technology division last month. Deloitte has also undertaken significant redundancies in the UK over recent years, attributing the changes to pandemic-era overhiring, economic slowdown, artificial intelligence uncertainty and attrition issues. This year, the firm offered voluntary redundancy packages to reduce 200 jobs across its audit business, providing terms that exceeded statutory legal minimums.

Reform UK officials clarified to City AM that their concerns were not directed specifically at Deloitte or KPMG, but rather at the broader practice of large employers. They expressed a desire to see major companies recruit more British nationals and highly skilled workers. The party has engaged in several disputes regarding migration, with home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf proposing financial rewards for members of the public who report businesses employing illegal migrants. Yusuf also threatened legal action against Vodafone’s chief executive over the provision of free SIM cards to migrants. Despite these confrontational moves, Reform has sought to improve its standing with the private sector by hosting its first Business Day at its recent conference. Jenrick stated that party leaders wished to engage in open dialogue with business leaders, although some representatives have privately criticised the party’s aggressive approach to building commercial relationships.