---
title: "Barclays Announces Plans to Cut 5,000 Staff Amid AI Rollout"
url: https://noti.group/barclays-announces-plans-to-cut-5-000-staff-amid-ai-rollout/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Business"
published: 2026-10-22T14:28:59.000Z
updated: 2026-10-22T19:23:43.440Z
id: 333679b3-6444-4be3-b238-21b397694fd1
source: "BBC News Business https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm4g1p347qgxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/barclays-announces-plans-to-cut-5-000-staff-amid-ai-rollout/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Barclays Announces Plans to Cut 5,000 Staff Amid AI Rollout

The bank's restructuring plan involves cutting approximately 1,000 posts that have already been closed and an additional 4,000 reductions by the end of this year.

Barclays has announced plans to cut around 5,000 staff as it looks to increase its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in its work processes.

The banking group stated that approximately 1,000 posts have already been closed and an additional 4,000 reductions are expected by the end of this year. This represents a total of about 5% of Barclays' global workforce.

The job cuts will primarily focus on the UK retail bank, but some back-office functions for the UK are also set to be affected, with significant proportions of these cuts anticipated in India.

Barclays attributed its modernisation plan and increased use of AI as the driving force behind the restructuring. The introduction of AI is being touted as a key component of this strategy.

As part of its efforts to reduce costs, Barclays has been investing in AI technology, which some claim can automate tasks currently performed by staff, including administrative and programming work.

The bank's decision to cut 5,000 jobs is part of a broader effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Barclays' reliance on AI technology has been increasing as it seeks to automate tasks currently performed by staff, including administrative and programming work.

Critics argue that the company is using AI as an excuse to lay off its loyal workforce, rather than investing in employee upskilling.

The bank's investment in AI is part of a three-year cost-cutting programme aimed at simplifying and improving its business operations.

The investment in artificial intelligence is a crucial component of Barclays' cost-cutting strategy, aimed at streamlining its operations and improving efficiency.

Around 60% of the job cuts will be within support functions, including among software developers who are responsible for maintaining the bank's systems and infrastructure.

According to Will Howlett, a financial analyst at Quilter Cheviot, these developments illustrate the significant impact AI and automation could have on the banking industry in the coming years.

Banks have spent heavily on technology over the years, but this investment is now starting to translate into reduced personnel requirements for running the business.

---
Source: [BBC News Business](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm4g1p347qgxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/barclays-announces-plans-to-cut-5-000-staff-amid-ai-rollout/