PCS condemns newly proposed cuts to Department for Business and Trade

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has been informed by the DBT of plans to reduce support for exports and access to emerging markets. Made hastily and without meaningful consultation with unions or business groups, the proposed cuts are set to impact frontline UK business export support and its international network of export support staff*. 

They come in the context of overall planned cuts of 20% to DBT by April 2027.

An all-staff consultation period has now begun with the structures as part of the Department’s 'Future DBT' plan. A detailed rationale or business case has not been made available for cutting the 600 overseas roles and 900 UK roles (decreasing DBT headcount from 8,000 headcount to 6,500). 

There are also plans to close DBT offices in Bristol, and possibly also in Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Cambridge, and Nottingham.

Further, DBT is gambling on AI and other digital solutions though it is unclear how these will replace the important role DBT staff play in enabling UK businesses to access international trade shows, making business introductions, and striking deals with partner governments.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “PCS is completely opposed to DBT’s job cuts and office closures. Our hard-working members actively improve UK business at home and abroad. 

"These Labour cuts will mean significant compulsory redundancies, far higher than expected under the previous government. And they will obviously cause real damage to businesses and individuals.

“We want to see investment in trade to grow the economy for the good of all. DBT has planned hastily and without proper consultation. Instead, ministers and managers must listen to unions, business groups and devolved authorities. PCS will absolutely oppose these irrational and arbitrary cuts.”

ends

*Notes to editor:

• The 38% cut to the Department’s Business Group, responsible for export support provided to nationally critical business sectors, includes: 14% to advanced manufacturing, 26% to infrastructure and tech, and 37% to the UK’s world-leading services sector (which includes financial services).
• A further 27% cut is planned to the Domestic and International Markets and Exports (DIME) unit, with a 40% cut to the team which directly supports SMEs accessing export opportunities internationally. Additionally, there is a 52% cut to the Business Intelligence and Engagement team which plays a key role in driving business growth.
• Access to emerging markets will be adversely affected with a 30% staff reduction at British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions. Some of the highest cuts are in Africa (57%), LATAC (54%) and Asia Pacific (34%) which fails to recognise these markets’ growing importance, where China is strongly competing with the UK.