Royal Mail set to axe up to 2500 jobs in restructure

Royal Mail has announced plans for an organisational review with the expected loss of up to 2500 head office and support function jobs by the end of 2027.

The company says it is undergoing a “significant transformation” to adapt to a rapidly-changing market.

Union bosses have accused Royal Mail of “demoralising staff”, adding the proposed changes will see “customers continue to be let down”.

Royal Mail bosses say letter volumes have declined by more than 70 per cent since their peak against growing customer demand for faster and more convenient parcel delivery services.

Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail chief executive, said: “We have been working hard to reduce costs and simplify processes across all areas of the business as we transform to win in a very competitive market.

“These proposed changes remove duplication and allow us to invest further in the service we deliver for our customers.

“We are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully throughout this process, working closely with our trade unions.

“The proposed changes will not be easy, but they are an important part of building a stronger, simpler and future-ready Royal Mail for our customers and colleagues.”

Martin Walsh, deputy general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, urged the Government to intervene, accusing Royal Mail of “demoralising staff”.

He said: “Despite the union being reassured this announcement will not impact any frontline workers, and will involve no compulsory redundancies, these proposals will impact approximately 200 Communication Workers Union-represented jobs in administration and revenue protection.

“We will be meeting management to discuss this announcement, which is further evidence of a company that is demoralising staff and failing to deliver for customers and the wider community.

“We urge the Government to confront the reality of a collapsing Royal Mail and intervene to save this national institution.”

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, added: “We have been warning for some considerable time that unless the Government and Ofcom address the serious challenges facing Royal Mail, further jobs will be put at risk.

“This is not good for employees or customers. It will not improve quality of service and the workforce must not be made the scapegoats for poor decisions made by the company, the Government or Ofcom.

“Without urgent action, this will happen again.

“More jobs will be lost, employment standards will continue to fall and customers will continue to be let down.

“The answer cannot simply be another round of job cuts.”

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