Parcel giant set to axe 3,000 drivers in UK – 12 delivery centres could close | UK | News
Parcel giant UPS could cut more than 3,000 delivery driver roles and close 12 package hubs, reports suggest. The firm is reportedly seeking to reduce its workforce as part of continued efforts to improve its fortunes.
An update to staff, reported by The Sun but not seen by the Express, is said to share a number of proposals, including the use of agency workers instead of in-house drivers. Another idea said to be under consideration is increasing the rates on accounts which aren’t turning a profit.
UPS is reported to have told staff that if the proposals are approved, they could lead to up to 3,100 delivery roles going and over a dozen package centres closing.
If the proposed cuts are approved, then staff could lose their jobs as soon as September, according to The Sun. UPS has been approached for comment.
A spokesperson for the US-owned firm told The Sun: “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.”
UPS announced in January that it would cut up to 30,000 jobs this year and reduce shipments for Amazon, its principal customer.
The BBC reported UPS said at the time the cuts would be made from buyout offers to full-time drivers and by not replacing staff who leave the company of their own accord.
A turnaround plan announced last year signalled efforts to reduce reliance on Amazon, which operates its own fleet of drivers.
In 2025, UPS cut 48,000 jobs and closed 93 of its hubs and was planning to shut 24 facilities in the first six months of this year.
UPS says it operates in 56 countries and territories in Europe, as part of a worldwide total of 200+.
It reports delivering 21 million packages per day and employs 460,000 staff worldwide.
The firm reported earnings of £17.7billion ($24.5bn) for the last quarter of last year and forecasts an increase in revenue to £66.8bn ($89.7bn) this year.
