Royal Mail plans up to 2,500 support job cuts by end of 2027

Royal Mail plans to cut up to 2,500 head office and support jobs by the end of 2027 as it reduces costs and adjusts to falling demand for letters, according to company statements reported by the Guardian on 7 October 2026.

The postal operator said it hopes to achieve the reductions through staff departures and voluntary redundancy. Delivery and processing roles, including postal workers and drivers, are outside the proposed cuts.

The plan follows a review of head office and support functions. Royal Mail said the changes would reduce duplicated work and make room for further investment in customer services. The proposed reductions represent less than 2% of its workforce of more than 131,000.

Formal consultation has begun with the Communication Workers Union and Unite CMA. The company's preference for voluntary departures does not establish how many employees will leave or the final outcome of those talks.

Royal Mail said letter volumes have fallen by more than 70% from their peak, while demand for faster and more convenient parcel deliveries has increased. That shift is driving the company to reshape its operations as it competes for parcel business.