Morale damage | KPMG redundancy backlash highlights growing risks of poor communication during job cuts

Employers risk creating lasting reputational and legal problems if redundancy programmes are perceived as rushed, inconsistent or impersonal, an employment lawyer has warned, after reports of staff frustration during KPMG’s latest round of cuts.

Ross Meadows, Owner Partner at Oury Clark Solicitors, told HR Grapevine that backlash during restructures is increasingly likely as businesses continue reshaping workforces amid economic pressure and growing adoption of AI.

His comments follow reporting by City AM that staff at KPMG UK raised concerns over communication during an ongoing redundancy consultation affecting hundreds of employees.

Earlier this year, it emerged that the Big Four firm planned to cut more than 500 roles across its UK business, including 440 assistant manager positions within audit and around 120 jobs in advisory.