Approximately one-third of UK employers plan to make staff redundancies by early 2027, according to a new survey [1].
These findings suggest a period of instability for the British labor market. As businesses anticipate the need to cut staff, the data signals a shift in corporate confidence and economic stability across various sectors.
The survey was conducted by Acas, which polled 1,000 businesses [2] to gauge future redundancy plans. The results show that one in three employers [1] expect to reduce their headcount as they navigate current economic pressures.
This projection spans the period leading up to the start of 2027. The scale of the planned cuts reflects a widespread trend among UK companies attempting to manage costs in a volatile financial environment.
While the survey provides a snapshot of employer intent, the actual number of redundancies will depend on how economic conditions evolve over the coming months. Acas said the 1,000-business sample [2] was used to identify these emerging trends in the workforce.
“One in three employers expect to carry out staff redundancies.”
The expectation of widespread redundancies indicates that UK businesses are bracing for a prolonged economic downturn or a significant structural shift. Because a third of surveyed employers are planning cuts, the labor market may face increased competition for remaining roles, potentially suppressing wage growth, and increasing unemployment rates leading into 2027.
