British American Tobacco is to cut 9,000 jobs.

British American Tobacco (BAT) is to cut a fifth of its global workforce as a major cost-cutting driver.

The company, which makes Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes, is cutting 5,500 roles and outsourcing 3,500 more.

BAT did not say where the jobs being cut were located, but added that the US was not affected.

The cost reduction program It is expected to save £600m a year by 2028, he added.

The tobacco giant, which currently employs 47,000 people globally, has previously announced a cost-cutting drive that includes becoming “more digital and AI-driven”.

Traditional cigarette sales are declining as smokers turn to vapes and nicotine pouches.

BAT has said that the job cuts that have already started will be completed by the end of this year.

CEO Thaddeus Marocco said the cuts would make the company “more efficient, cost-disciplined and technology-enabled.”

“These changes will impact many of our colleagues, and we are focused on supporting this transition with care and respect as we position the business for the future.”