British American Tobacco (BAT) said it will cut 5,500 jobs and shift a further 3,500 roles to strategic partners, impacting around 20% of its global workforce, as the London-listed group accelerates its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven transformation programme, Reuters reported.
The restructuring, which excludes the US, forms part of a broader cost-saving initiative aimed at reshaping operations and improving efficiency through automation and artificial intelligence.
BAT said most of the changes have now been confirmed with employees, while remaining consultations are being conducted in line with local regulatory requirements.
The group expects the programme to deliver 600 million pounds in annualised incremental savings by 2028, with 500 million pounds targeted by 2027, as it continues to streamline its global operating model.
