In recent weeks, after PwC offered UK buyout packages, employees were given specific instructions on how to communicate their exits, as reported by the Financial Times. According to the report, staff were told not to discuss the circumstances of their departure and that messages could be reviewed by PwC before being sent out to a specific group. Additionally, employees were instructed that messages should not be derogatory in any way.
The firm outlined a suggested format for farewell messages, emphasizing that these could be personalized. Employees were encouraged to say they had made the decision to leave PwC after discussions with their relationship leader and express excitement about future opportunities. However, they were also asked to note that they enjoyed their time working with talented colleagues at PwC.
At present, it is unclear how many employees across various UK offices have accepted the buyouts that were offered. While the program was not officially communicated across the firm, it is part of a broader trend in professional services, where companies, including the Big Four firms like PwC, are reassessing staffing needs due to slowing client work.
PwC did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Business Insider. However, the company had previously announced plans to cut up to 600 jobs in the UK, reflecting broader global trends where other firms have also announced job reductions. Students and new hires were not immune to these changes, as some consultancies have offered incentives for delaying start dates by several months.
Overall, the professional services industry is undergoing significant shifts amidst economic uncertainties and changing client needs, leading to various adjustments in staffing and employee communications across firms.