KPMG has announced restructuring programmes impacting staff across its UK audit and corporate services divisions. If you have been informed that your position is at risk, understanding your employment rights under England and Wales law is essential. Deen & Co Solicitors provides clear guidance on consultation processes, redundancy pay, and settlement agreements.
What has been announced
- On 27 March 2026, reports emerged that KPMG is cutting hundreds of jobs across its UK audit division as part of a restructuring programme.
- On 28 March 2026, it was reported that up to 440 UK audit roles are being cut due to overstaffing caused by declining employee attrition rates.
- On 9 July 2026, KPMG announced plans to cut approximately 200 back office roles across the UK firm.
- On 10 July 2026, further details confirmed that around 200 jobs are being cut in UK corporate services as the integration between KPMG's UK and Swiss partnerships advances.
About the company
KPMG is a major professional services firm operating in the UK, providing audit, tax, and advisory services.
The firm is currently undergoing restructuring and integration between its UK and Swiss partnerships.
What happens next
Collective Consultation: Because the planned redundancies exceed 100 roles in both the audit and corporate services programmes, the employer must carry out a collective consultation process lasting at least 45 days before any dismissals take effect.
Individual Consultation: Alongside collective talks, affected employees should be invited to individual consultation meetings to discuss the business rationale, explore potential alternatives, and review selection criteria.
Statutory Redundancy Pay: Employees with at least two continuous years of service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on age, weekly pay (subject to the statutory cap), and total length of service.
Notice and Accrued Rights: Staff placed at risk who are ultimately dismissed on grounds of redundancy are entitled to their contractual or statutory notice pay, alongside accrued but untaken holiday pay.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Employers often invite applications for voluntary redundancy to reduce headcounts before moving to compulsory selection.
If you consider applying for voluntary redundancy, ensure you review the financial package on offer compared to your statutory and contractual entitlements.
If compulsory redundancies proceed, the firm must follow an objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory scoring and selection matrix.
Your settlement agreement
KPMG may offer a settlement agreement, providing an enhanced exit payment in return for waiving potential employment claims.
Under England and Wales law, a settlement agreement is only legally binding once you have received independent advice from a qualified legal adviser, such as an employment solicitor.
Employers typically cover or contribute towards the cost of your independent legal advice.
Before signing, an employment solicitor will review the terms to ensure the compensation is fair and that clauses regarding confidentiality, post-termination restrictions, and agreed references are properly negotiated.
Common questions
How many jobs are affected at KPMG UK?
Reports and announcements indicate up to 440 jobs in the UK audit division and approximately 200 back office and corporate services roles are being cut.
Why are the redundancies happening at KPMG?
The audit cuts were reported to be driven by overstaffing caused by lower attrition rates. The cuts in corporate services are linked to the ongoing integration between KPMG UK and its Swiss arm.
How long must the redundancy consultation period last?
Under UK law, where an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies at one establishment within 90 days, collective consultation must last for at least 45 days before dismissals take effect.
Do I have to accept a settlement agreement from KPMG?
No. Signing a settlement agreement is voluntary. If you choose not to sign, the formal redundancy consultation process continues, and you may receive statutory or contractual redundancy pay instead.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors regularly advises UK professionals facing redundancy and restructuring. Our experienced employment solicitors can review your proposed settlement agreement, negotiate terms and compensation, and ensure your legal rights are fully protected throughout the consultation process.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
Sources
- KPMG's UK restructuring puts 200 jobs at risk - hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com — hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com (14 July 2026)
- KPMG proposes 200 job cuts in UK corporate services amid integration with Swiss arm - HR Katha — HR Katha (13 July 2026)
- KPMG plans 200 job cuts in corporate services as UK-Switzerland integration advances - hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com — hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com (10 July 2026)
- KPMG to cut around 200 jobs in UK group corporate services – report - International Accounting Bulletin — International Accounting Bulletin (10 July 2026)
- KPMG UK to Slash 200 Back Office Roles in Latest Round of Cuts - Bloomberg.com — Bloomberg.com (9 July 2026)
- KPMG to Cut Up to 440 UK Audit Jobs as Falling Attrition Creates Overstaffing - Analytics Insight — Analytics Insight (28 March 2026)
- KPMG to Cut Hundreds of Jobs in UK Audit Division Amid Restructuring - Global Banking & Finance Review — Global Banking & Finance Review (27 March 2026)
Last updated 9 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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