KPMG

KMPG UK has scrapped its summer early-finish policy that let nearly 17,000 staff leave 2.5 hours early on Fridays, citing "market conditions and business needs" in a signal that the Big Four are prioritising utilisation over lifestyle perks. The move reverses a 2021 Covid-era benefit and comes as PwC has shortened its own summer programme from 12 weeks in 2022 to just 6 weeks now, suggesting broader pressure across professional services. While KMPG frames this as routine operational adjustment, the removal of visible non-cash benefits can affect morale and recruiting in a sector already dealing with burnout concerns and slower advisory demand. The timing reflects how firms are walking back pandemic-era flexibility as they focus more on productivity and profitability than symbolic perks, potentially signalling further belt-tightening across the consulting industry.