British American Tobacco to cut 5,500 jobs globally in restructuring push

The London-listed tobacco giant is outsourcing 3,500 additional roles as it pivots toward artificial intelligence and cost efficiency.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-29 10:16 UTC · 1 min read

British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced a sweeping global restructuring plan that will eliminate 5,500 jobs and outsource another 3,500 roles.

The London-listed company, maker of brands including Lucky Strike and Dunhill, stated that the workforce reduction is a critical component of its broader strategic shift toward artificial intelligence and operational efficiency.

The move signals an aggressive cost-cutting drive as the tobacco sector faces mounting regulatory pressure and shifting consumer preferences.

By outsourcing significant portions of its workforce, BAT aims to streamline operations and redirect capital toward technology-driven growth areas.

The restructuring is expected to impact multiple regions, reflecting the company's global footprint.

This development follows earlier reports of BAT's strategic pivot, with the company emphasizing that the restructuring is essential to its long-term competitiveness.