Royal Mail Proposes Cutting Up to 2,500 Roles by End of 2027

British postal and courier group Royal Mail has outlined plans to reduce its workforce by as many as 2,500 roles by the end of 2027 as part of an organisational review. The proposed losses would affect its head office on Farringdon Road, London, and support-function positions, the company said. Royal Mail employs approximately 131,000 people in total. In a statement, Royal Mail said the proposal remains subject to consultation and that it expects the reductions to be achieved through natural turnover and a voluntary redundancy scheme, with no compulsory redundancies. It added that there would be no cuts to frontline operational roles in delivery and processing, including posties and drivers. The company said it is undergoing a "significant transformation" as it implements universal service reform and adapts to a fast-changing market where letter volumes have fallen sharply and parcel demand has risen. Chief executive Alistair Cochrane said the business has been working to lower costs and simplify processes across all areas as it transforms to compete in a highly competitive market. He said the proposed changes would remove duplication and allow further investment in the service provided to customers. Cochrane also said the company is committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully during the process and to working closely with trade unions. He said the proposed changes would not be easy but are an important part of building a stronger, simpler and future-ready Royal Mail for customers and colleagues. The announcement comes as regulator Ofcom investigates Royal Mail over its failure to meet crucial delivery targets over the past year.