Bakers launches second redundancy round

Baker & McKenzie has launched its second London redundancy consultation in as many months, seeking to make up to 85 staff redundant.

Between 20 to 30 lawyers are set to be affected, with around half of those coming from the corporate practice.

Between 20 to 30 secretaries and 20 to 25 support staff positions will also be cut.

In an internal email to staff senior partner Gary Senior said: “The current economic climate is proving exceptionally challenging for most businesses, and we too have seen further declines in our workflows.

“In January I announced a review of our support functions, secretarial model and other costs. Based on our current financial projections, and the outcomes of the reviews, it’s clear that further action needs to be taken which will affect secretaries, legal departments and support departments.”

Trainees will not be affected by these proposals.

Senior said that consultations with employee representatives were set to begin, during which time they would also discuss alternatives to redundancy such as reducing working hours, offering sabbaticals and unpaid leave.

In January, the firm made 20 associates redundant in London and held a review of 285 support staff positions (23 January).

The outcome of the review was also one of the factors leading to the current redundancies.