What's happening
£500m
Target annual cost savings by 2028
WPP, the world's largest advertising group, is cutting jobs in two waves as part of an accelerating restructuring drive. The first round, confirmed in July 2026, cut an estimated 300 roles concentrated at VML — WPP's largest creative and production agency — and in back-office functions including finance, HR and property. A second, larger round followed in September 2026, when the Financial Times reported that new chief executive Cindy Rose is preparing to cut up to 1,000 more jobs group-wide as part of an AI-driven overhaul.
The July cuts: Elevate28 and VML
The initial 300 roles fell under Elevate28, WPP's cost-cutting and simplification programme targeting £500m in annual savings by 2028. WPP said the changes were aimed at removing duplication across its agency portfolio and streamlining corporate infrastructure, rather than cutting client-facing or creative roles. The cuts represented around 1% of WPP's global workforce; the company has not published an official headcount figure, and 300 remains the most widely cited trade-press estimate. A further, smaller wave of notifications reportedly went out to VML staff in early August, showing the restructuring was ongoing rather than a single event.
September update: up to 1,000 more jobs, and an AI-driven pivot
On 1 September 2026, the Financial Times reported that WPP is preparing to cut up to 1,000 additional jobs as part of an accelerated restructuring under Cindy Rose, who took over as chief executive in 2025. The move reflects mounting pressure on traditional advertising agencies as AI reshapes how campaigns are planned, created and delivered, compounded by weakening client spending and the need to invest heavily in new technology. WPP has not confirmed a precise figure or broken out a UK-specific number, and no specific sites have been named. Workers across the group's agency network — including VML, Ogilvy, Wavemaker, Mindshare and GroupM — could be affected.
Who's affected in the UK
WPP employs several thousand people in the UK, split across its agencies and its London head office. UK-based staff affected by either round of cuts should expect a formal consultation process, and — depending on role and seniority — may be offered a settlement agreement rather than going through standard redundancy selection.
