PwC Implements Quiet Layoffs in the UK with Strict Communication Guidelines

Financial Times reported that PwC, one of the Big Four accountancy firms, has initiated a round of "silent layoffs" across its UK offices. Affected employees have been instructed not to inform their colleagues of the true reason behind their departure and to adhere to a "suggested wording" if they wish to send goodbye messages.

The firm recently launched a voluntary severance programme primarily targeting the consulting, risk, operational, and managed service divisions in London and Belfast. However, this initiative has not been officially communicated internally, according to sources familiar with the matter. Instead, individual employees have been discreetly notified about the severance package. Those who choose to accept the offer have been told to use a script provided by HR for any farewell communications. The guidance quoted by the Financial Times states:

“Should you decide to accept this voluntary offer, it is possible for you to send out a note to a defined group, however, this must not refer to the voluntary severance offer or the circumstances of leaving. Suggested wording for this note is given below, but we recognise that you will naturally want to personalise this. Naturally, it must also not be derogatory to PwC or its employees/partners. It is down to business discretion as to when this message can be sent out and if the business wishes to review messages before they are sent out.”

The recommended content for the farewell note reads: “Following recent discussions with my [relationship leader], I have taken the decision to leave PwC. It hasn’t been an easy decision for me to reach, but now that I have, I am excited about what the future holds for me and the new opportunities on the horizon. I have really enjoyed my time at PwC and the opportunity to work with such talented colleagues.”

This move follows a previous round of layoffs at PwC late last year, which saw around 600 roles eliminated due to a decrease in staff attrition. 

This development occurs amidst broader job cuts across all Big Four firms—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—who have each trimmed their UK workforces in response to a deteriorating economic environment impacting demand for certain services. 

Source/Recommended read:

• PwC asks for silence from departing staff in programme of UK job cuts (ft.com)