UPS is planning to cut up to 3,100 delivery driver jobs in Britain and close 14 package centres as part of a major restructuring effort. The US-owned parcel giant, which operates about 50 centres across the UK, is reportedly consulting with unions and employee representatives on the proposals.
Proposed changes include agency workers and rate hikes
According to an update to staff reported by The Sun earlier this month, the company intends to use agency workers instead of in-house drivers and increase rates on accounts that are not profitable. A UPS spokesperson said: "We constantly review how we can enhance customer experience and improve efficiency in response to changing market demand. As a consequence, we are evaluating options for our business in the UK as we remain committed to providing the highest standard of service and value our customers expect across the UK."
Part of global cost-cutting strategy
The UK cuts are part of a wider global restructuring. In January 2025, UPS announced it would shed 30,000 jobs and close 24 facilities worldwide this year. The company also accelerated its plan to reduce unprofitable deliveries for Amazon, a growing rival. Last year alone, UPS cut 48,000 jobs amid shrinking volumes from the online retailer.
Revenue outlook and Amazon 'glide-down'
UPS projected revenue for this year of £67.95 billion ($89.7 billion), compared with £67.2 billion ($88.7 billion) in 2025. Analysts had expected revenue of almost £66.7 billion ($88 billion), according to data compiled by LSEG and reported by Reuters. The company expects revenue to drop in the first half of the year as it completes its Amazon "glide-down," before rising in the second half after the reductions are complete.
