ANZ’s 3,500-Role Reduction Continues as AI Tools Expand
ANZ is continuing a major workforce reduction while deploying AI tools in engineering and research.
ANZ is continuing a program to reduce its workforce by 3,500 roles into 2026, alongside deploying AI tools in engineering and research. The reduction forms part of a broader restructuring, rather than being identified as an AI-only redundancy program.
The New Daily reported ANZ’s ongoing job reduction alongside other Australian employers cutting roles as they adopt AI and automation. The Guardian has also reported that AI tools are being introduced in Australian workplaces as banks restructure and automate customer interactions.
For employers, ANZ’s example highlights the need to separate the business case for a restructure from the technology being introduced. Before deciding redundancies, document which work has genuinely reduced or changed, consult affected employees, and assess reasonable redeployment into roles created or materially altered by AI. A redundancy should be based on the role no longer being required—not simply an intention to install a tool.
- ANZ has a 3,500-role reduction program continuing into 2026.
- AI tools are being deployed in ANZ engineering and research teams.
- The reduction is part of broader restructuring, not described as solely AI-driven.
- Employers should document changed work, consult before deciding, and assess redeployment.
For employers: If AI changes the work rather than eliminating it outright, map the revised duties and assess redeployment before selecting redundancies. Consult employees before decisions are made and ensure any redundancy is genuine and lawfully based on the role no longer being required.
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General information for employers, not legal advice. Reporting summarised from the linked sources; confirm details with the primary source.