Big Four firms close offices over Christmas

Three of the world’s four largest consulting and accounting firms have shuttered their offices over the festive period. As energy prices continue to boom, PwC has joined the usual closures of Deloitte and KPMG offices, in a bid to save money. 

For several years, Big Four professional services firm Deloitte has shut its offices for the turn of the year in the UK. This year, all of its UK offices are closed from the 23rd of December to the 3rd of January – while KPMG has also been closing its UK offices over the same period in recent years.

At the end of 2022, PwC has also joined them – shuttering most of its 19 UK offices until the 3rd of January. The firm employs around 24,000 staff in Britain, and among the offices closed will be its UK HQ in London – as well as a number of smaller sites. 

As reported by the BBC, PwC’s Chair Kevin Ellis said that opening all the firm’s locales “at a time of energy scarcity” doesn’t “make sense”. Most staff will be taking annual leave over Christmas anyway – but on top of that, the Covid-19 pandemic has seen working remotely from home become a common practice, presenting PwC with an opportunity to save on energy bills in its depleted office spaces.

Noting the firm’s determination to “do our bit to reduce energy consumption,” Ellis added, "Office life is hugely important to our culture and business. But having all our offices open over the holiday period doesn't make sense at a time of energy scarcity. We've taken a pragmatic approach ensuring some offices across the country remain open for those who need them.”

PwC’s leading regional offices – in cities including Edinburgh, Belfast and Newcastle – are taking a "similar approach" to its main Embankment Place site in London. However, as noted, the firm is offering up physical space for working – with desks available at its More London base with some regional offices setting out specific areas for workers to access.

EY, the other member of the Big Four, does not currently close its offices for Christmas.