KPMG wields axe again with 200 tech and cyber roles on the block

KPMG UK plans to eliminate 200 positions within its data and technology division, marking another set of staff reductions for the Big Four firm. According to the Financial Times, these layoffs represent approximately 4% of the firm's permanent advisory workforce, which encompasses AI and cybersecurity experts. The company is currently in consultation with employees regarding the cuts, with affected individuals anticipated to depart in October.

A spokesperson for KPMG UK stated, "As our market evolves, we are adapting where we are focusing and how we are set up to make sure we have the right skills in place to best serve our clients. To respond to these market dynamics combined with low levels of attrition, we are proposing reductions in some of our advisory client-facing teams and will support our colleagues throughout this process."

This latest round of layoffs follows KPMG's earlier cuts in July, which saw around 10% of staff in its UK group corporate services division let go, impacting approximately 200 individuals. In March, Bloomberg reported that KPMG was eliminating over 500 staff, including 440 assistant managers in the audit business and 120 roles in the advisory arm.

Employees were informed that they would receive a minimum of eight weeks' basic salary, along with any statutory redundancy pay, in July. However, the initial round of layoffs in early 2026 sparked criticism from staff, who alleged that the redundancy process was poorly managed due to inadequate communication.