{"id":61036,"title":"Royal Mail to reduce support staff by 2,500 by 2027","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-10-09T08:37:57+00:00","modified":"2026-10-09T08:37:57+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/royal-mail-plans-to-cut-2-500-jobs/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/royal-mail-plans-to-cut-2-500-jobs.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/royal-mail-plans-to-cut-2-500-jobs.json","category":"Business","categories":["Business","Companies"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/royal-mail-to-reduce-support-staff-by-2-500-by-2027.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"Royal Mail has confirmed plans to reduce its head office and supporting workforce by 2,500 roles by the end of 2027. The postal service stated that the reductions, which equate to approximately two per cent of its 131,000 employees, are intended to improve operational efficiency amid intensifying competition and a sustained decline in letter delivery demand. The company emphasised that frontline postal workers and drivers are excluded from the proposed restructuring, ensuring that those roles remain protected from the cuts.\n\nThe workforce reduction is to be achieved through voluntary redundancies and natural attrition, with the firm asserting that no compulsory dismissals will be made. Chief Executive Alistair Cochrane described the changes as a necessary step to remove duplication and enable further investment in customer services. He acknowledged that the process would be difficult but argued that it is essential for building a stronger and more future-ready organisation. Royal Mail is currently in formal consultation with the Communication Workers Union and Unite CMA regarding these proposals.\n\nUnion representatives have responded critically to the announcement. Martin Walsh, deputy general secretary of the CWU, characterised the move as evidence of a company that is demoralising staff while failing to deliver for customers. He urged the government to intervene to save the national institution, citing a collapsing service. Unite similarly argued that the cuts would not improve service quality and accused the firm, regulator Ofcom, and the government of failing to address serious operational problems, particularly high competition from gig economy postal services.\n\nThe restructuring comes as Royal Mail continues to struggle with meeting delivery targets. In the year to the end of March, just over 75 per cent of first class letters were delivered on time, falling significantly short of the 93 per cent target. The company has faced repeated fines from the regulator for missing these benchmarks. Fewer people are sending letters, and Royal Mail has repeatedly stated that its Universal Service Obligation, which legally requires six-day-a-week delivery to every UK address, is outdated and requires reform.\n\nThe firm has faced years of criticism from politicians and the public over slow deliveries. In March, postal workers told the BBC they were asked to move or hide mail from senior bosses to make it appear that targets were being met. This year, more than 100 MPs have written to Ofcom and the business secretary requesting action regarding the poor service reported by constituents. Royal Mail has announced it will invest 500 million pounds over the next five years as part of its improvement plan. The company is owned by the EP Group, following the approval of Daniel Kretinsky’s takeover at the end of last year. Kretinsky has stated he will not abandon the six-day delivery requirement while he runs the service."}